Global Red Cross Struggles to Provide Aid Amid Financial Crisis Nigeria Uganda
The International Committee of the Red Cross is facing a financial crisis that is threatening its ability to deliver aid in emergencies worldwide, including Nigeria, according to internal communications and exclusive disclosures reviewed byThe organisation, with a field budget of U.S.$2.
Due to a lack of funds, the ICRC, which has over 800 employees in Nigeria and offices in 16 states across the country, is reportedly planning toover 100 employees. The organisation has already cut national staff salaries by 25% and plans to close its offices in Jos and Port Harcourt. ICRC Director-General Robert Mardini had previously announced that the organisation was considering cuts that could amount to 15% of its budget in frontline emergencies.
The organisation has an estimated field budget of $2.7 billion for 2023, the largest ever, which it is now apparently unable to implement.