WFP trucks cross reopened Adré border from Chad

August 21, 2024 (ROME) – After a six-month closure of the vital Adré border crossing, the first World Food Programme (WFP) food supplies have finally reached desperate communities in Sudan’s Darfur region.

On August 19, a UN spokesman announced receiving confirmation that the Sudanese authorities have approved the movement of 131 trucks with food and non-food relief supplies across the border from Chad at the Adré crossing.

WFP trucks, laden with sorghum, pulses, oil, and rice, arrived in Kereneik, West Darfur on Tuesday evening. This initial delivery will provide sustenance to 13,000 people in immediate need.

The WFP has assured that enough food and nutrition supplies for around 500,000 people are ready to be swiftly transported through the newly opened route.

WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain emphasized the critical importance of the Adre crossing’s reopening, stating, “This is a vital step to help WFP get lifesaving aid to millions of people in desperate need.”

She further highlighted the necessity of keeping all border crossings and humanitarian corridors open for aid agencies to deliver supplies daily, the only way to avert widespread starvation.

The Adre crossing is the most efficient route for delivering large-scale humanitarian aid into Darfur due to its proximity. Supplies can reach key distribution points within the same day, making it crucial in the fight against the hunger crisis.

Prior to its reopening, WFP had to rely on Tiné crossing in far northern Darfur followed by longer and more dangerous routes, including those crossing battlefronts and militia-controlled areas.

Sudan closed the Adré crossing because the RSF paramilitary forces control the other side of the border in West Darfur state.

After the first batch of humanitarian aid crossed through Adré, the RSF spokesman confirmed the arrival of the humanitarian trucks and pledged to “fully support, facilitate, and protect” the aid.

He further called for opening the Nyala, El Geneina, and Zalingei airports to deliver humanitarian aid.