New UN aid convoy heads to Central Darfur via Chad

 June 27, 2024 (NORTH DARFUR) – Over 80 trucks carrying humanitarian aid from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF crossed the Chadian border on Wednesday, heading towards Central Darfur state in western Sudan, according to a UN source.

This new aid route, coming through the Northern state and across the border, is a shift from the previous route that passed from Port Sudan through Al Jazirah, White Nile, and Kordofan states. The change is attributed to military developments and the alliance of several armed movements with the Sudanese army.

The source, speaking to “Sudan Tribune” from the border town of Al-Tina, confirmed that the WFP and UNICEF trucks will deliver aid to several areas in Central Darfur, including Jebel Marra, Zalingei, Golo, Umm Dukhun, Wadi Saleh, and Tawila.

This aid is desperately needed as the ongoing conflict has severely exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. An estimated 18 million Sudanese are facing severe hunger, with nearly 5 million on the brink of famine, according to a UN assessment. These figures are likely underestimated due to the ongoing conflict and disruption of livelihoods.

UN agencies have expressed frustration over restrictions imposed by both sides of the conflict, hindering aid delivery and distribution. They also face significant funding shortfalls while humanitarian needs continue to escalate, raising fears of widespread famine.

The UN has called for the opening of the Adré border crossing to facilitate aid delivery from Chad. However, Sudanese authorities have rejected this request, claiming the border area on the Sudanese side is under RSF control. Chad is perceived by some as a platform for military support to the RSF, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The coordinator for displaced persons and refugees in Darfur reported last month that over 100 people have died due to lack of food, underscoring the urgency of the situation.