Aid finally reaches Sudan’s Darfur region through the Adre border crossing after the Sudanese army temporarily lifted a ban on deliveries. The army’s rivals in the ongoing war control most of Darfur and the crossing, making it the quickest route for aid to enter the region. The army had previously halted aid deliveries in February, citing concerns about arms transportation, but reversed the decision for three months last week.
Despite initial progress, only a fraction of aid has passed through the border crossing so far. The World Food Programme managed to send essential supplies like sorghum, pulses, oil, and rice to Kreinik, a famine-threatened area in West Darfur, but more aid is still needed. Millions of people in Darfur and across the country are facing food insecurity, highlighting the urgent need for further aid deliveries.
While aid agencies are optimistic about the recent developments, challenges remain, such as ensuring safe transportation and distribution of aid in a conflict-affected region. The road to recovery for Darfur’s residents is long, but every small step counts towards alleviating their suffering.