6 Sudanese Airports and 7 Border Crossings Open for International Aid
Moatinoon
The Sudanese government has approved the opening of six airports and seven land border crossings for international organizations to bring humanitarian aid into the country.
In a statement today, the government announced its decision to open the airports in Kassala, Dongola, and El Obeid, in addition to the Kadugli airport, which was agreed upon during talks between the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to "providing all necessary facilities to ensure the smooth flow of humanitarian aid to those in need across all regions of Sudan."
Last Friday, around ten countries, including the UK, the US, France, and Germany, urged the warring parties in Sudan to guarantee humanitarian access to the millions of people in urgent need of assistance.
On Wednesday, US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, stated that the "Allies for Saving Lives and Peace in Sudan" group continues to push for expanded humanitarian access in Sudan, including airlift operations, enhanced civilian protection, and security for humanitarian workers on the front lines.
Perriello noted on his Facebook account that it is essential for the Transitional Sovereign Council to extend its approval for reopening the Adré border crossing for at least six more months before the current agreement expires.
The group also urged Sudanese parties to improve and strengthen humanitarian access across the country and to address civilian protection. They expressed optimism following the African Unions visit to Port Sudan and are keen to follow up on the commitments made.
Last week, the group, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United States, Switzerland, the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations, held a virtual meeting to discuss the escalating conflict and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan.
The group’s statement called on the Transitional Sovereign Council to extend the agreement for reopening the Adré border crossing indefinitely, noting that thousands of tons of aid have passed through it.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 11 million people have been displaced by the conflict, with around 3 million fleeing Sudan. The UNHCR described the situation as a "humanitarian catastrophe."
An estimated 26 million people are facing severe food insecurity, and famine has been declared in Zamzam camp in Darfur.
In a joint statement, about ten Western countries said that "systematic obstruction by both sides of local and international humanitarian efforts is the root cause of this famine."
Western nations are specifically demanding the removal of restrictions on the border crossing with Chad at the city of Adré, as well as the opening of "all possible routes across borders" in line with commitments made by both parties.
At the end of August, following talks organized by the United States in Switzerland, the warring factions pledged to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access via two main routes.
