A small convoy carrying food has entered Sudan via a temporarily reopened border crossing with Chad, offering temporary respite for those facing famine in western Darfur’s Kereinik region. The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered aid for about 13,000 people, with enough food ready to move for 500,000 people in total. This comes as more than six million people across Darfur and 25 million across Sudan face food insecurity.
The convoy, including trucks from the WFP and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), crossed into Darfur from Chad via the Adre border crossing. The reopening of this crossing has allowed a small amount of aid to enter, although many more trucks have been approved but unable to pass due to restrictions by the Sudanese army, citing concerns about arms smuggling.
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. The reopening of the border crossing for three months has been welcomed by aid agencies, but they emphasize the need for longer access due to the challenges posed by the rainy season.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan has highlighted the importance of the Adre crossing for delivering aid to prevent widespread starvation. The International Committee of the Red Cross has also praised the reopening of the border crossing but calls for extended access to ensure continued assistance to those in need.
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