Sudan reiterates rejection to open Adré crossing for international aid

August 6, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – Sudan on Tuesday reiterated its refusal to open the Adré border crossing with Chad for humanitarian aid to Darfur, accusing foreign nations of using it to smuggle arms to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Security Council met to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including a famine declaration in the Zamzam camp for displaced people in North Darfur.

Sudan’s UN Ambassador Al-Harith Idris denied the famine declaration and blamed the RSF for blocking aid deliveries and shelling civilian areas. He claimed the Adré crossing was used to funnel weapons and fuel to the RSF, citing UN reports and observations of trucks carrying military

Adrés indicated some recent dates between May and July claiming convoys transporting weapons and military support to the RSF crossed via Adré. “Fuel is being smuggled from Chad through the Adré crossing for the benefit of the rebel Rapid Support militia at a rate of 200 barrels per day,” Idris further said.

He criticized countries pushing to open Adré and accused them of prioritizing political motives over humanitarian concerns.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Tuesday called on the international community to circumvent Sudan’s objections and allow UN agencies to deliver aid across conflict lines or borders if necessary.

The Adré crossing is located about 400 meters from the border between Chad and Sudan’s West Darfur state, approximately 35 km from the state capital, El Geneina.