Activists Rally Against Army’s Ban on Cross-Border Aid
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region has reached a critical point, with millions of people facing the imminent threat of starvation. The Sudanese government’s decision to block aid deliveries through Chad has exacerbated an already dire situation, according to an advocacy group for internally displaced people. The order, obtained by Reuters, effectively closes a crucial supply route to the vast Darfur region, controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which conflict with the army in a 10-month civil war.
The General Coordination for Displaced People and Refugees issued a statement emphasizing that the denial of urgent humanitarian aid constitutes a war crime, putting millions of displaced people at risk of death from hunger. The group condemned the use of food as a weapon against innocent citizens. It accused the RSF of looting humanitarian assistance and obstructing deliveries, allegations also made by the United States. The RSF denied these accusations, pledging to bring any rogue actors to justice.
Medical aid group MSF reported that unidentified armed men had raided its base in Zalingei, the capital of central Darfur, controlled by the RSF. This incident further underscores the challenges humanitarian organizations operating in the region face.
The conflict in Sudan erupted last April over disputes regarding the powers of the army and the RSF under an internationally-backed plan for a political transition towards civilian rule and elections. The war has ravaged parts of Sudan, resulting in more than 13,000 deaths according to U.N. estimates, warnings of famine, and an internal displacement crisis involving over eight million people.
The order from the army-linked Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as seen by Reuters, cited a change in policy due to adverse developments from the Chadian side facilitating military support for the RSF rebel militia. U.N. experts have pointed out that Chad has been used as a route to supply crucial weapons from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF. Aid agencies emphasize the importance of the Chad route, particularly given the dangers and roadblocks along other routes from Port Sudan, as some displacement camps in Darfur have not received aid since the beginning of the war.
