Sudan’s sovereign council has extended the Adre border crossing with Chad, crucial for delivering aid to areas facing famine, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan. Ongoing conflict has led to acute hunger affecting over 25 million people in the country, necessitating the use of this route. More than 300 aid trucks have crossed since reopening, delivering essential supplies for over 1.3 million individuals.
On Wednesday, Sudan’s sovereign council announced the extension of the Adre border crossing with Chad, a vital route for delivering humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Experts have identified acute hunger affecting over 25 million individuals throughout the nation, with specific areas, including camps in Darfur, facing imminent famine due to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Initially closed by the army-controlled government in February, the Adre crossing was reopened for a temporary period starting in August, set to expire on November 15. Fears had emerged regarding the potential closure of this route, which is essential for aid distribution, especially as it provides a more direct means of transportation than the alternatives from Port Sudan or the Al-Tina crossing. Despite government officials’ concerns that the RSF could exploit this opening to transport arms, the Sudanese army lacks physical control of the border crossing as it lies within RSF-held territory. The reopening coincided with the rainy season, which led to the deterioration of infrastructure and initially caused delays in aid delivery. Nonetheless, aid trucks have since successfully transported supplies for over 1.3 million people through Adre, according to UN humanitarian coordination representative Ramesh Rajasingham. Recently, the World Food Programme facilitated the transfer of 15 trucks laden with food and nutrition supplies intended for 12,500 individuals at the famine-affected Zamzam camp.
The Adre border crossing is located along the border of Sudan and Chad and has been identified as critical for delivering humanitarian aid amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. With conflicts raging between the Sudanese army and the RSF since early 2023, many regions, particularly Darfur, have been thrust into dire situations with increased risks of famine. In light of more than 25 million people suffering from acute hunger across Sudan, the ability to keep this crossing open is vital for providing food and necessary supplies to affected populations.
The decision to extend the Adre border crossing is crucial in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to regions facing severe food insecurity and potential famine. Despite concerns over the misuse of the crossing, its opening allows for the efficient transportation of life-saving supplies to those in dire need. Ongoing monitoring and support for this humanitarian effort will be essential to mitigate the widespread hunger afflicting millions across Sudan.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
