UAE hails reopening of crucial border crossing for improved humanitarian operations in Sudan

The UAE, the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UN and several other delegations in Geneva have appreciated Thursday’s decision by the Sudanese army to open the crucial adre border crossing as serious concerns have been raised over the spread of famine in Sudan.

In a joint statement, the delegations participating in an ongoing Sudan peace talks called the decision by the army “a critical step for saving lives”. They also called on the paramilitary RSF to ensure the aid groups entering through the border are provided safety.

Expansion of humanitarian assistance in Sudan a top priority

The Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been fighting each other since the early months of 2023. There is an urgent need to move humanitarian assistance into Darfur and across Sudan, ensuring safe and unhindered passage to the people in need.

The expansion of humanitarian assistance is a top priority for the members of the international community gathered in Geneva, according to the joint statement. They demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Sudan as the death toll runs into thousands.

Neither the army nor the paramilitary group is attending the Geneva discussions. The army had earlier informed of its decision to not attend, stressing that the RSF had not met key conditions of the Jeddah Declaration finalised during a previous meeting in Saudi Arabia.

UAE regularly stressing the need for a ceasefire in Sudan

The brutal conflict raging in Sudan has killed thousands of people, driven nearly 10 million from their homes and triggered and unprecedented hunger crisis. Previous negotiations in Jeddah and Bahrain have all failed to yield satisfactory results.

The UAE has been regularly stressing the need for a ceasefire in Sudan. The Gulf state has allocated $30 million to regional countries to support scores of Sudanese refugees in the region and $70 million to address the urgent requirements of the people in the country.