MAF Shifts Focus from Tanzania to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

MAF Redirects Efforts from Tanzania to Sudan Crisis

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is shifting its focus from Tanzania to address the humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in Sudan. After over six decades of service in Tanzania, the Christian aviation charity is reallocating its resources to South Sudan and Chad, countries experiencing significant inflows of refugees due to the war in Sudan.

MAF has announced its planned departure from Tanzania later this year, as improvements in infrastructure and services have reduced the demand for its specialized flights. Meanwhile, the organization is collaborating with local partners to continue some of the critical services it supported.

The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced 14 million people, marking it as one of the largest global displacement emergencies, according to the United Nations. Chad has taken in over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees, while South Sudan has received approximately 600,000 individuals, as reported by the UNHCR and cited by MAF.

Norman Baker, MAF International’s Chief Transformation and Operating Officer, explained the strategic shift, stating, “We have established a strong case for focusing our operations in South Sudan and Chad to address the Sudan crisis – the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis – as a strategic organisational priority.”

MAF’s exit from Tanzania concludes a significant era of providing crucial support, including healthcare and ministry outreach, to remote communities. For over 40 years, MAF aided Maasai evangelist Elisha Moita and his team in reaching isolated villages, significantly increasing the number of Maasai Christians from 63 in the late 1970s to over 200,000 today.

Elisha Moita reflected on the impact of MAF, saying, “Some villages were so remote, but with MAF, our evangelists reached people more easily without too much energy, and preached the Gospel. Before, walking so many hours was difficult. With MAF, we had the strength to sit and talk to people because we weren’t tired.”

Beyond its missionary work, MAF has partnered with local hospitals like Haydom, Kilimatinde, and Same to deliver mobile medical clinics, offering services such as vaccinations, malaria prevention, and emergency medical evacuations. Miriam, a mother who benefited from these services, expressed her gratitude, noting improvements in her child’s health.

Tanzania’s transformation since MAF began operations is evident. Life expectancy has increased from around 44 years in 1963 to roughly 70 years today, maternal mortality has decreased by 71% over the last 25 years, and primary school enrollment has reached 93%. Moreover, 69% of rural regions now have electricity access, with significant investments in infrastructure underway.

MAF acknowledged the progress in Tanzania, attributing it to long-term investments that have enhanced accessibility and community strength. The organization expressed appreciation to its supporters, stating, “Thanks to our supporters, years of investment have helped make remote areas more accessible and have strengthened local communities. Your generosity continues to bear fruit. Thank you for making decades of transformation in Tanzania possible.”