WFP urges Sudan to reopen Chad border amid escalating Darfur hunger crisis

July 27, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The World Food Programme (WFP) is urging the Sudanese government to reopen the Adré border crossing from Chad into West Darfur, warning that alternative routes will become impassable during the rainy season.

The conflict in Sudan has triggered a massive hunger crisis, with over 26 million people facing severe food insecurity. Some 755,000 are experiencing catastrophic levels of hunger, and hunger-related deaths have already been reported.

Betty Ka, WFP’s Regional Emergency Coordinator for Sudan, visited the country last week to assess the situation. In a statement to Sudan Tribune, she highlighted the dire humanitarian situation and called for increased international support and access.

“We need access to reach those in desperate need,” Ka said. “Currently, the only open cross-border route into the easternmost region is from Tine (Chad) into North Darfur. A previously open crossing from Adré (Chad) into West Darfur remains closed by the Sudanese Government.”

The Tine crossing is insufficient, being longer and more expensive. The upcoming rainy season will render it inaccessible, further exacerbating the challenges of delivering aid in Darfur and other parts of Sudan.

Since the conflict began in April 2023, WFP has reached 7.7 million people with food and cash assistance. In 2024 alone, WFP has supported over 4 million internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and vulnerable host communities across Sudan.

The agency is also expanding its community kitchen program in Khartoum state and piloting a self-registration initiative to reach those affected by the conflict.

Ka emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to enable large-scale humanitarian aid delivery and prevent widespread famine and disease.

“We are committed to reaching as many people as possible and are tirelessly advocating for the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire,” she said.