Geneva Mediators Call for Additional Crossings to Allow Aid Passage
Sudan Events – Agencies
The Working Group for Enhancing the Saving of Lives and Peace in Sudan issued a statement from Geneva regarding a virtual meeting held on August 29 to continue efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The statement mentioned that since the conclusion of the Switzerland talks, efforts have been ongoing to engage the warring parties in expanding emergency humanitarian aid access and enhancing civilian protection across Sudan. This is in addition to wider compliance with existing obligations under international humanitarian law and commitments under the Jeddah Declaration.
The statement noted that since the Sudanese Sovereignty Council confirmed the opening of the Adre crossing, 5.8 million tons of emergency aid have already been allowed into famine-affected and famine-threatened areas in Darfur, providing immediate assistance to around a quarter-million people. Dozens of aid-loaded trucks are now moving daily to those in need.
The statement added, “We need to see the same expansion of aid access into the heart of Sudan. To this end, the Peace Support Coalition in Sudan urges the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid along the route from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum, as well as the routes from Khartoum to El-Obeid and to Kosti, including through Sennar. This would enable life-saving aid to reach millions of people in need.”
Members of the Peace Support Coalition in Sudan called for the opening of additional border crossings to allow aid to pass through the most direct and efficient routes, including the Aweil crossing from South Sudan.
They affirmed their commitment to working with other international partners to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and ultimately reach an agreement to cease hostilities.
