Sudan has launched an airlift of 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to South Kordofan, targeting both governmental and rebel-held areas. This initiative follows high-level discussions between Sudan and South Sudan’s leaders, aiming to tackle famine declared by the SPLM-N. The operation underscores Sudan’s commitment to humanitarian principles and the necessity of continued negotiations regarding access to aid.
On November 3, 2024, Sudan initiated an airlift to deliver 1,000 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to regions within South Kordofan currently under rebel control. According to a statement from the Foreign Ministry, this effort aims to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the area. The first aircraft arrived in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, on Friday, delivering 16 tonnes of essential supplies. This operation, comprising a total of 78 flights from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, will deliver food and medical aid to both Kadugli and the rebel-held Julud area, where the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has reported famine conditions. The airlift operation is the result of discussions between Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s ruling council, and Salva Kiir, the President of South Sudan. The two leaders explored ways to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected regions. The airlift was carried out in partnership with South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, reaffirming the collaborative efforts between the two nations. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry further emphasized the operation reflects the government’s dedication to complying with international humanitarian law and ensuring that citizens have access to necessary resources. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to uphold the moral and legal principles that guide humanitarian efforts, while also highlighting ongoing negotiations with the SPLM-N for establishing aid corridors, despite previous talks having stalled in May.
The South Kordofan region of Sudan has been experiencing ongoing conflict, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. The SPLM-N, which controls parts of this area, has declared famine conditions, complicating the provision of essential aid. The airlift represents a critical step towards addressing the needs of civilians in these conflict zones. The partnership with South Sudan not only facilitates this aid delivery but also underscores the regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing humanitarian issues. The previous struggles in negotiations between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N further contextualize the importance of this airlift initiative.
In summary, the recent commencement of an airlift to South Kordofan by the Sudanese government demonstrates a significant humanitarian effort aimed at alleviating the suffering of civilians in conflict-affected areas. With a commitment to international humanitarian standards and ongoing dialogues for a sustainable aid solution, this initiative may provide much-needed relief amidst serious challenges. Continued cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan could pave the way for further deliveries and a resolution to the underlying issues causing the humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
