Sudan rejects US envoy's accusations on relief delivery
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - Sudan has rejected accusations of the US Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, that the authorities are obstructing delivery of emergency aid to those in need in war ravaged regions of the country
The Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in a press release received on Friday rejected statements by the U.S. envoy that it was blocking delivery of emergency aid to those in need.
The US official was quoted as saying during a tour of East Africa that the Commission had blocked 520 out of 550 humanitarian aid trucks from leaving Port Sudan.
HAC said the the allegations were part of an “organised campaign” targeting its efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance as part of its professional and ethical responsibility towards those in need and those affected by the war that has created critical humanitarian conditions.
“The Commission categorically refutes Mr. Perriello's statements," the statement said, adding that it would have been “more realistic and courageous” of him to direct his criticism toward the Rapid Support Forces militias, which had been looting, detaining, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, besieging those in need, and denying them access to food and medicine.
HAC explained that between 1 January and 6 November, 2024, it granted 12,170 movement permits to organisations and agencies, allowed 1,073 trucks to enter through the Adre and Tinah crossings, and approved the movement of 10,705 trucks through various internal routes and crossings.
In addition, it had approved 2,985 entry visas for foreign humanitarian workers, while total funds provided by the government in the form of customs and tax exemptions, transportation of aid, and purchase of supplies had exceeded US$600 million.
-0- PANA MO/MA 8Nov2024
