Extension of Adre Border Crossing Secures Vital Humanitarian Aid for Sudan

The UN has secured a three-month extension for the Adre border crossing in Sudan, essential for delivering humanitarian aid from Chad to regions like Darfur. This decision enables ongoing support for over 1.4 million people facing hunger due to conflict. However, the UN stresses the urgent need for additional funding to sustain relief operations as the humanitarian appeal is significantly underfunded at 57 percent.

The extension of the Adre border crossing, which serves as a crucial route for humanitarian aid, has been reaffirmed by the Government of Sudan for an additional three months. This decision, effective from Wednesday, facilitates the continued transportation of vital assistance from Chad to conflict-impacted regions, particularly Darfur. According to Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, this move is indispensable for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals in the country. “Keeping the Adre border open means humanitarians can continue to deliver emergency food and nutrition supplies, medicine, shelter, and other life-saving assistance to hundreds of thousands of hungry, malnourished mothers and children, people suffering from diseases, and others that desperately need these supplies.” This border crossing has proven pivotal for humanitarian operations amidst an ongoing crisis driven by the prolonged war between rival military factions. Since its reopening in mid-August, it has enabled the transit of numerous aid trucks, significantly benefiting nearly 1.4 million individuals facing the threat of famine. Nevertheless, despite this significant progress, the United Nations emphasizes the pressing need for additional funding, as the current $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal remains underfunded at only 57 percent. This funding gap poses severe challenges to the sustained delivery of aid to the 12.6 million people reached by humanitarian agencies from January to September 2024, amidst a relentless conflict that exacerbates the dire humanitarian landscape.

Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023, marked by a violent struggle between the military-led government forces in Khartoum and the Rapid Support Forces. The humanitarian situation escalated significantly as these confrontations caused widespread displacement, resource scarcity, and an upsurge in health crises, particularly in regions like Darfur. The Adre border crossing is a vital artery for delivering humanitarian assistance, ensuring that essential supplies reach those most in need. The United Nations has been actively involved in coordinating relief efforts, emphasizing the need for consistent and increased funding to address the worsening humanitarian challenges faced by the population.

The extension of the Adre border crossing is a crucial lifeline for the humanitarian efforts in Sudan, particularly in supporting millions impacted by the ongoing conflict. As the situation remains precarious, the emphasis on securing additional funding is paramount for sustaining life-saving assistance and preventing a greater humanitarian disaster. Continued international support is essential to meet the escalating needs of the Sudanese people.

Original Source: news.un.org