Sudan, South Sudan extend aid corridor to conflict-hit South Kordofan

December 9, 2024 (JUBA) – Sudan and South Sudan have agreed to extend an aid corridor allowing humanitarian assistance to flow from Juba to Sudan’s South Kordofan state, beset by conflict and a growing humanitarian crisis.

The agreement, signed Monday, allows aid deliveries until Feb. 2, with the possibility of renewal, Sudan’s state news agency SUNA reported.

In September, the two countries established a mechanism for delivering aid to South Kordofan to alleviate suffering exacerbated by the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Cities in South Kordofan, including the state capital Kadugli and the town of Dilling, as well as areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis. Warring parties have blocked roads, preventing commercial convoys from reaching their destinations.

SUNA said the aid would be delivered by airdrops in “Jild” and “Kawnaur,” areas controlled by the SPLM-N led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu. Aid will also be delivered by truck to Kadugli airport for transport to Kadugli and Dilling.

The assistance includes food and medicine.

The agreement was signed by al-Sadiq Adam Ibrahim, director of human resources and finance at Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission, a representative of South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and a representative of the implementing partner, the SmartPair organization.

Last month, Sudan’s foreign ministry announced an air bridge from Juba to Kadugli to transport 1,000 tons of food and medicine via 78 flights.