The UN humanitarian chief has welcomed the Sudanese Government’s decision to extend the use of the Adre border crossing for three more months, enabling continued humanitarian assistance into Sudan. This essential aid has reached about 1.4 million people in desperate need. However, the UN emphasizes a severe funding shortfall in its $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal is hindering the scale of relief operations required to meet the escalating needs amid ongoing conflict.
The United Nations humanitarian chief in Sudan has expressed support for the Government’s decision to extend the use of the Adre border crossing for an additional three months. This extension, effective immediately, is crucial for the ongoing delivery of humanitarian assistance from Chad into conflict-impacted areas of Sudan, notably Darfur. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, emphasized the significance of this crossing as it allows aid to reach hundreds of thousands of vulnerable populations throughout the country.
The conflict, which began in April of the previous year between the military-led Government forces and the rival Rapid Support Forces militia, has created dire humanitarian needs. The continuity of operations via the Adre border is vital for delivering emergency food, medical supplies, and shelter to affected individuals, particularly mothers and children facing malnutrition and disease. Since its reopening in mid-August, over 377 aid trucks have crossed into Sudan, providing support to approximately 1.4 million people at risk of famine.
Despite these efforts, the UN agencies are calling for increased funding to expand and sustain relief operations. The current Sudan humanitarian appeal of $2.7 billion is only 57 percent funded as the year draws to a close. Between January and September 2024, humanitarian groups provided assistance to about 12.6 million individuals across Sudan, highlighting the imperative for additional resources to prevent further humanitarian crises amid the ongoing conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has drastically deteriorated due to the ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2022. The fighting between government forces and armed groups has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, affecting millions of civilians. The Adre border crossing, which links Sudan with Chad, has become a lifeline for delivering necessary aid to vulnerable populations, especially in regions like Darfur that have been severely impacted by violence and instability. The extension of its use is vital for sustaining emergency relief efforts.
The extension of the Adre border crossing is a pivotal development in the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan, facilitating the flow of critical aid to millions in need. While this measure is welcomed by humanitarian officials, the pressing need for additional funding remains a significant concern to ensure that relief efforts can continue effectively in the face of persistent conflict. Increased financial support is essential to avert deepening humanitarian suffering and to bolster the operational capacity of aid agencies in Sudan.
Original Source: news.un.org
