U.S. diplomat pushes Sudan for full humanitarian access, call for sanctions

March 21, 2024 (NEW YORK)  – The U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, pressured Sudan’s military rulers to grant full humanitarian access from all borders. She called on the Security Council to consider potential sanctions if the Sudanese government continues to obstruct aid delivery.

The call came during a Wednesday meeting of the 15-member Security Council, which discussed a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) white paper on food insecurity in Sudan.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield urged the Sudanese government to immediately reopen all border crossings with Chad, particularly the critical Adre crossing, to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.

“Reports of the Adre crossing reopening are encouraging, but this can’t be a temporary measure,” she stressed. “Existing land routes from Chad and South Sudan are inadequate. Only by fully opening the Chad border can significant humanitarian assistance flow effectively.”

Addressing the Council, she emphasized that the Security Council “must take swift action” if Sudan fails to reverse its border restrictions. This action “may include considering targeted sanctions” to ensure life-saving aid reaches those in need.

Earlier this month, the Security Council passed a resolution demanding unhindered humanitarian access in Sudan. However, the Sudanese authorities and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have disregarded the resolution, hindering aid efforts in government-controlled areas.