The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has condemned recent
warning that the attacks could escalate an already fragile humanitarian and political situation in Sudan. In a statement, the IGAD Executive Director Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu warned that the attacks pose a serious threat to civilian lives noting that it could escalate an already fragile humanitarian and political situation in Sudan.
Dr. Gebeyehu described the assaults as “unacceptable” and called for their immediate end.
“These attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end,” said Dr. Workneh. “Port Sudan has long served as a vital humanitarian and logistical lifeline for millions of Sudanese. Any assault on this critical hub further compounds human suffering and impedes the delivery of urgently needed assistance.”
The condemnation comes as tensions escalate between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who appear to be targeting airports in each other’s areas of control threatening efforts to stabilize the region.
Port Sudan, which has remained a relative safe haven amidst the conflict, is central to humanitarian operations, including the transportation of food, medical supplies, and other emergency aid.
Dr. Workneh reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese crisis and urged all parties to cease hostilities without delay and to engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue.
“We call on all parties to cease hostilities without delay and to engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue,” he said. “IGAD remains fully engaged with all stakeholders in support of efforts to protect civilians and preserve regional stability.”
In a statement on X, the United Nations (UN) Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“Very concerned by ongoing drone strikes on Port Sudan, a hub for our humanitarian operations and key entry point for aid. International humanitarian law must be respected. Constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure.” Fletcher tweeted on Wednesday.
The UN says that the latest strikes in Port Sudan took place early on Tuesday morning, reportedly targeting the international airport and other infrastructure, including a fuel storage facility and a power transformer.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, issued a statement that day, saying the attacks “will deepen humanitarian suffering and needs, as well as exacerbate the already severe access and logistical challenges that humanitarian actors face in the delivery of urgently needed aid to the rest of the country.”
She underlined that the airport is a “lifeline for humanitarian operations” as it is the primary entry point for aid personnel, medical supplies and other life-saving relief.
“Moreover, the availability of fuel in Port Sudan is critical to the dispatch of humanitarian supplies to areas across Sudan in dire need of assistance,” she added.
Salami noted that since January, attacks on infrastructure across Sudan, such as power stations, water sub-stations, and oil refineries, have caused widespread electricity outages and disrupted access to essential services, including safe drinking water, healthcare and food supplies.
These are serious violations of international humanitarian law and “reflect a consistent failure to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution,” she said.
“Every measure must be taken to spare civilians and civilian objects,” she said. “Once again, I call on all those involved in this conflict to cease hostilities.” By Christine Muchira, KBC
