A ban on cross-border aid imposed by the Sudanese government, preventing deliveries through Chad, puts millions of lives at risk of starvation in Sudan’s Darfur region, warned an advocacy group for internally displaced people on Tuesday.
The order, obtained by media, closes a vital route for supplies to Darfur, controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rivals of the army in a 10-month civil war.
The General Coordination for Displaced People and Refugees condemned the move, stating that the denial of urgent humanitarian aid constitutes a war crime, emphasizing that food should not be weaponized against innocent citizens.
Accusations were also made against the RSF for looting humanitarian assistance and obstructing deliveries, echoing concerns raised by the United States. The RSF, denying the accusations, pledged to bring any rogue actors to justice.
The war in Sudan, sparked by disputes over military powers, has caused extensive damage, claimed over 13,000 lives according to UN estimates, prompted famine warnings, and resulted in an internal displacement crisis involving more than eight million people.
In the order, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, linked to the army, cited a change in policy due to negative developments from Chad, facilitating military support to the RSF, according to UN experts.
The Sudanese foreign ministry asserted its commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid delivery, while the World Food Program (WFP) highlighted its limited reach in conflict-affected areas, where millions face emergency and acute hunger levels.
