Sudan warns aid groups against dealing with RSF relief agency

January 28, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government on Wednesday warned foreign aid organizations and agencies against dealing with the humanitarian arm of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), calling such cooperation a violation of national sovereignty.

The Sudanese Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations (SARHO) oversees aid distribution and issues permits to international organizations in RSF-controlled regions across Darfur and Kordofan.

Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Salwa Adam Benya directed international aid groups to adhere to national legislation and policies. She urged organizations to avoid interfering in internal affairs and to maintain strict neutrality in their humanitarian activities.

The directive follows reports that some foreign organizations registered with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) have engaged in institutional dealings with SARHO.

Under the 2006 Voluntary and Humanitarian Work Act and the 2013 registration regulations, the commissioner stated that registering with, or signing agreements with, the RSF-linked agency constitutes support for a parallel state entity. She warned that such actions undermine Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity.

The order instructed HAC officials to monitor any unauthorized dealings and take legal action. This includes the potential cancellation of an organization’s registration under Article 14 of the humanitarian law.

The commission also called on UN agencies and regional organizations that have not yet signed technical agreements with the HAC to submit draft agreements for review.

International and regional organizations were reminded to ensure their staff respect Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while applying international humanitarian principles, including independence from political or military objectives.