UN chief commends decision by Sudanese authorities to reopen Adre border crossing
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the decision by Sudanese authorities to reopen the Adre border crossing between Chad and Darfur, a move that will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing civil war.
In a statement, Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric emphasized the importance of "concrete and sustained" measures to ensure humanitarian access and protect civilians in Sudan. "Humanitarian organizations must have full, safe and unhindered access to reach all civilians in need across Darfur, and across the country as a whole," he stressed.
The reopening of the Adre border crossing comes after nearly six months of closure, during which time no humanitarian aid reached the affected populations. The decision is seen as a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people, who have been caught in the midst of a 15-month civil war.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in devastating consequences, with at least 12,260 people killed and more than 33,000 injured, according to UN figures. The war has also led to a massive displacement crisis, with the UN warning that Sudan is facing the world's worst displacement crisis.
The reopening of the border crossing is a positive development in the midst of a dire humanitarian situation. The UN remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to help end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The decision to reopen the border crossing is seen as a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The international community will be watching closely to ensure that the Sudanese authorities follow through on their commitment to facilitate humanitarian access and protect civilians.
As the conflict shows no signs of ending, the threat of famine looms large over Sudan. The international community must continue to pressure the warring parties to find a peaceful solution to the conflict and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
The UN's commitment to working with all stakeholders to end the conflict and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people is a crucial step towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis. The reopening of the Adre border crossing is a positive development, but much more needs to be done to address the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.