SPLM-N cautions un agencies against Sudan’s unilateral aid delivery plans
June 8, 2024 (KAUDA) — The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, today urged United Nations agencies to refrain from cooperating with Sudan’s plans to deliver aid without a comprehensive agreement with all warring factions.
Negotiations between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N regarding aid delivery to South and West Kordofan and Blue Nile have reached an impasse. The SPLM-N insists on a nationwide aid distribution plan, while the army claims that the talks have stalled due to the SPLM-N’s insistence on involving the Rapid Support Forces in humanitarian arrangements.
Gatiga Amouja Dalman, head of the media committee of the SPLM-N Liberation Council, told “Sudan Tribune” that it is imperative to “alert the relevant UN relief agencies not to respond to the plans of the Port Sudan government, which aims to mislead organizations into believing it can deliver aid without an agreement with all warring parties.”
Delman dismissed statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the army’s ability to airdrop aid as a deceptive tactic.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that military aircraft had dropped 20 tons of essential medicines and medical supplies in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State. The ministry claimed that the airdrop demonstrates the existence of alternative methods for aid delivery.
However, Delman asserted that the army “only supplied El Fasher with ammunition and military equipment,” citing the “exodus of all city residents to towns and villages in Darfur due to a lack of food and medicine.”
He further stated, “The army’s claims of dropping medicine are a ruse by the Port Sudan government to seize humanitarian aid and divert it for military use.”
UN agencies have expressed concerns about restrictions imposed by warring parties on aid delivery and distribution, as well as inadequate funding, while humanitarian needs continue to escalate amid fears of widespread famine.
According to a United Nations assessment released earlier this year, 18 million Sudanese are suffering from severe hunger, including nearly 5 million people on the brink of famine. The actual number is likely higher due to the ongoing conflict and disruption of livelihoods.