Sudan’s military government has approved the use of three airports to facilitate humanitarian aid amid a worsening crisis that has left millions in need. The ruling Sovereign Council announced on Monday that General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan authorized United Nations organizations to operate from Kadugli in South Kordofan, El Obeid in North Kordofan, and Damazin in the Blue Nile region as storage and distribution hubs for relief materials.
The ongoing conflict has plunged Sudan into one of its most severe humanitarian crises, with 25.6 million people suffering from acute hunger, including 8.5 million facing famine-like conditions. Humanitarian officials have raised concerns about the worsening situation, particularly in South Kordofan, which remains under blockade by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
UN personnel will oversee aid delivery, travel with relief convoys, and monitor distribution before returning to their bases. This directive comes after the earlier approval to open Kadugli airport for aid flights to address dire needs in the region.
Burhan Rules Out Negotiation with RSF
In a separate statement, General Burhan reaffirmed his stance against negotiating with the RSF, emphasizing that disarmament and containment of the group in specific areas are the only acceptable solutions. Speaking at a conference on women’s issues in eastern Sudan, he accused the RSF of besieging regions such as El Fasher in North Darfur, South and West Kordofan, and other areas, cutting off food and water supplies, and committing atrocities against civilians.
“There is no settlement and no negotiation,” Burhan said, adding that the RSF must lay down their arms before any discussions about their future can occur. He described the RSF as a “criminal terrorist militia” and pledged to continue military operations to “eliminate the rebellion.”
The Sudanese military has reportedly made gains since launching a renewed campaign against the RSF on September 26, reclaiming territories in Khartoum and Sennar state. Burhan also dismissed claims of inviting political factions for dialogue, stating that the government is focused on maintaining security and stability.
Women and Vulnerable Populations Face Grave Risks
Burhan acknowledged the hardships faced by women and marginalized communities during the conflict, particularly those displaced and subjected to violence. Women, who often head households in the wake of widespread destruction, face challenges such as forced displacement, sexual violence, and exploitation. He called for using Sudan’s resources to improve education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women in underdeveloped regions.
UN Pushes for Increased Humanitarian Funding
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher visited Sudan to evaluate the humanitarian crisis and promote funding for the 2025 response plan. Fletcher emphasized the importance of collaboration with Sudanese authorities to address the escalating needs.
“This is the worst humanitarian crisis Sudan has ever faced,” said Mona Nur al-Daim, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commissioner. She noted that donor funding in 2024 fell short, with only $1.52 billion of the $2.7 billion target secured.
The United Nations plans to announce its 2025 humanitarian response in early December, aiming to address the urgent needs of millions displaced by the conflict. Calls have been made for international condemnation of atrocities attributed to the RSF, including restrictions on food, medical care, and freedom of movement in areas under their control.
As the crisis deepens, Sudan’s leadership and international organizations continue to grapple with delivering aid to those most affected while addressing ongoing violence and instability.
