U.S. hails Sudan aid breakthrough, urges further access, end to war

August 27, 2024 (WASHINGTON)—The United States on Sunday welcomed the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries to Sudan via two key routes and urged further access to conflict-stricken areas. It also called on the warring parties to end the violence.

The breakthrough follows months of restricted access that worsened famine and acute hunger, particularly in the Darfur region. It comes after intense negotiations led by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces.

“The Sudanese people have urgent needs for food, medicine, and treatment,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. “More than 25 million people face acute hunger and over 10 million have been displaced from their homes. Famine is ongoing in parts of Darfur.”

The U.S. also welcomed commitments made by the RSF to refrain from attacks on aid deliveries, streamline procedures for emergency access, and adhere to a code of conduct that includes refraining from violence against women and the destruction of crops.

“These new commitments must be reflected in the actions of RSF troops on the ground,” Blinken said.

The U.S. stressed that there is no military solution to the crisis in Sudan and reiterated its commitment to working with international partners to encourage direct talks between the warring parties and an end to the violence.

In a separate post on X, the U.S. special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, extended his condolences to those who have lost loved ones or been displaced due to the recent collapse of Aarbat Dam.

“With the fragility of so much vital civilian infrastructure, we reiterate calls on the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces to provide protections for the restoration of security, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Perriello said.