Britain’s special representative for Sudan has held talks with a senior humanitarian official from Sudan’s Peace Government, the latest direct contact between international diplomats and institutions operating in areas outside Port Sudan’s control.
Richard Crowder, head of the British Office Sudan and the UK’s special representative to the country, met Ezzeldin al-Safi, head of the National Humanitarian Access Authority, at the authority’s office in Nairobi, according to Sudanese media reports.
Crowder was accompanied by members of the British government’s humanitarian and development team. The British government identifies Crowder as its special representative to Sudan and head of the British Office Sudan.
The talks focused on expanding humanitarian access to conflict-affected communities, protecting civilians and removing operational and bureaucratic obstacles facing relief organisations.
Al-Safi said humanitarian needs had reached unprecedented levels while available assistance remained far below requirements, calling for a more sustained international response and greater support for communities affected by the war.
He said the National Humanitarian Access Authority was working to simplify procedures for aid organisations and improve coordination with international partners, particularly in Darfur and other areas badly affected by the conflict.
Crowder stressed the importance of civilian protection, preserving essential infrastructure and services, and responding to the risks of famine and displacement, according to accounts of the meeting.
The British side also called for bureaucratic barriers restricting humanitarian organisations to be reduced.
Both sides agreed to continue exchanging information and coordinating on humanitarian priorities, operational obstacles and efforts to mobilise international assistance.
The meeting follows separate talks between Al-Safi and Japan’s chargé d’affaires Takahara Takunobu that were previously reported by The Sudan Times.
During those discussions, the Peace Government presented Japan with a proposed cooperation framework involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency covering agriculture, food security, basic services, irrigation and water harvesting.
The latest British contact adds to a growing series of meetings between Peace Government institutions and foreign diplomats over humanitarian access and the delivery of assistance in areas affected by Sudan’s war.
