UN deputy chief urges aid surge as Sudan opens key border crossing
August 29, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Thursday called for increased international aid to Sudan as the country opened a key border crossing to facilitate humanitarian access.
Mohammed, who concluded a one-day visit to Port Sudan, held talks with Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and other officials. The discussions focused on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the urgent need to expand aid delivery channels.
Al-Burhan assured Mohammed of the government’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid and highlighted the recent opening of the Adre crossing, connecting West Darfur to Chad. This move is expected to streamline aid delivery despite earlier concerns about potential misuse by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Acting Foreign Minister Hussein Awad reiterated Sudan’s cooperation with the UN and urged the international community to exert pressure on the RSF to ensure unhindered aid distribution.
Mohammed also met with Vice President Malik Agar and other members of the Sovereign Council to discuss the wider situation in Sudan.
During her visit, Mohammed underscored the pressing nature of the humanitarian crisis and called for greater international support. She praised the government’s decision to open the Adre border, emphasizing its crucial role in addressing the immense humanitarian needs.
“The situation in Sudan demands urgent action,” Mohammed said. “The international community must step up and fulfil its commitments to provide humanitarian aid. The people of Sudan are facing famine, lack of medical supplies, and immense suffering.”
“The people of Sudan cannot wait any longer,” Mohammed said. “We must act now to save lives and prevent further suffering.”
Addressing concerns
To ensure aid reaches those in need, the Deputy Secretary-General engaged in discussions with the Humanitarian Aid Commission on procedures for entering Adre.
“We have had discussions on how, first of all, not to stop any of the aid that is available right now going in. But in parallel, to address legitimate concerns of the government and put in procedures that would ensure this aid gets to people where it’s meant to,” she said.
The government fears that the RSF would control the distribution of humanitarian assistance and use it to enhance its control over the population in the areas under its control. The paramilitary group recently formed civil administration in the RSF-held areas in Darfur.
Sudan’s foreign minister Awad, said, “Despite the government’s apprehension about the Adre crossing, it cooperated and opened this crossing to cut off any negative talk about its failure to save its people.”
The UN estimates that over 20 million people in Sudan, nearly half the population, need humanitarian assistance. The conflict has displaced millions, disrupted essential services, and fuelled food insecurity.
(ST)