Sudan Extends Adre Border Crossing for Vital Humanitarian Aid Delivery

Sudan’s sovereign council has extended the Adre border crossing with Chad, vital for delivering humanitarian aid to famine-stricken areas. With over 25 million people experiencing acute hunger, and ongoing conflict between the army and RSF, the crossing’s reopening is crucial for aid delivery amidst security concerns.

On Wednesday, the sovereign council of Sudan announced the extension of the Adre border crossing with Chad, a critical route for humanitarian aid deliveries. This facility is vital for transporting food and supplies to areas facing severe famine threats in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. With over 25 million people in Sudan experiencing acute hunger, the situation is exacerbated by ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Originally closed due to an order from the army-controlled government, Adre was reopened in August for a limited span of three months until November 15. Although the re-opening provided some relief, concerns arose within the government regarding the crossing potentially facilitating weapon deliveries by the RSF. It is noteworthy that the Sudanese army does not physically control this border, which remains under RSF territory in Darfur. Aid agencies, which have largely prepared for a potential closure of Adre, cited its significance as a more efficient route than alternatives such as cross-line deliveries from Port Sudan. Despite the challenges posed by the rainy season and related infrastructure damage, over 300 aid trucks have successfully delivered supplies for more than 1.3 million needy individuals via this crossing. Recent reports indicate that the World Food Programme has transported a convoy of 15 trucks, serving approximately 12,500 individuals residing in the famine-stricken Zamzam camp. This development further underscores the crucial role that the Adre border crossing plays in mitigating the hunger crisis in Sudan, facilitating the much-needed influx of humanitarian assistance.

The current humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with over 25 million people facing acute hunger as a result of ongoing military conflicts, particularly between the Sudanese armed forces and the RSF. The conflict has intensified vulnerabilities in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, which are on the brink of famine. The Adre border crossing has been identified as a pivotal route for the delivery of humanitarian aid, essential for addressing the needs of the most affected populations.

In summary, the extension of the Adre border crossing represents a critical step in facilitating humanitarian aid to regions at risk of famine in Sudan. This measure allows for the delivery of essential supplies to millions facing hunger amidst continued conflict. However, concerns regarding the implications of opening this crossing on security and military dynamics persist, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com