Sudan: UN Secretary-General welcomes decision to reopen key border crossing for aid deliveries

The Adre border crossing with Chad has been closed for most of the year. It is the most direct and efficient route for humanitarian aid to reach millions of people in Sudan’s Darfur region, who are facing record levels of acute famine.

Food Security Expert newly declared that fighting between rival military forces in Sudan that broke out in April 2023 has pushed some areas in North Darfur state into famine, especially the Zamzam refugee camp, where more than half a million displaced people are taking shelter.

Unhindered humanitarian access

“The Secretary-General underscores the importance of concrete and sustained measures to facilitate humanitarian access and protect civilians, consistent with the obligations of the Sudanese parties under international humanitarian law and previously agreed modalities,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement. a statement.

“Humanitarian organisations must have full, safe and unhindered access to all civilians in need across Darfur and across the country,” he added.

The statement concluded by underlining the United Nations’ full commitment to working with all stakeholders to help end the conflict in Sudan and alleviate human suffering.

Expanded support

Sudanese authorities revoked the Adre border crossing permit in February, leaving the Tine border crossing as the only route for cross-border humanitarian aid from Chad.

On Friday, United Nations agencies including the World Food Programme (World Food Programme) welcomed the news of the reopening.

This development will allow WFP to scale up assistance to 14 areas facing famine in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Al Jazirah.

The goal is to support up to 8.4 million people by the end of the year.