Sudan’s El Burhan lifts Adré aid embargo

The Transitional Sovereignty Council, chaired by Commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, has today decided to open the Adré border crossing from eastern Chad into West Darfur for three months. This move aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected displaced civilians fleeing violence in Darfur.

According to the council’s directive, issued in a circular, it instructs the recently formed Joint National Committee for Humanitarian Emergencies to coordinate with Qatar’s humanitarian aid officials, to manage the opening of the Adré crossing. This decision responds to repeated calls from the United Nations and various international organisations for expanded access to aid.

Coinciding with the second day of diplomatic talks in Geneva focused on a ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery, the decision is notable for the absence of the SAF from the discussions.

The UN Deputy Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, Toby Harward, highlighted new logistical challenges, including heavy rains threatening to close the El Tina border crossing, connecting Chad and North Darfur. Harward emphasised the urgent need for alternative access routes to ensure aid reaches vulnerable populations.

Addressing displaced leaders in Nertiti, Central Darfur, Harward underscored the necessity for access through all major crossings and airports in Darfur to support consistent aid delivery. He noted ongoing negotiations with authorities in Port Sudan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to facilitate aid access.

Médecins Sans Frontières’ International President Dr Christos Christou had earlier called for the opening of the Adré crossing to expedite aid delivery. Previously, the government had resisted opening Adré, citing its use for military supplies to the RSF