Sudan to open humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to South Sudan

The Sudanese government has agreed to open humanitarian corridors to deliver food aid to South Sudan, the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation deputy commissioner said yesterday.

“I have received a notification from the Humanitarian Affairs Commission in Sudan stating that it has agreed to open a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of food assistance through the World Food Programme to the affected citizens in the country through the port of Aweil city,” the official told the Anadolu Agency.

He pointed out that Khartoum’s approval will facilitate the transfer of about 1,000 tonnes of food aid to areas affected by lack of food, especially those adjacent to the Sudan border, noting that opening the humanitarian corridor “will reduce transport costs, and will contribute to the rapid delivery of this emergency aid”. He did not specify the date when the borders will be opened.

Sudan closed its borders with South Sudan in 2011 accusing Juba of supporting and harbouring rebel groups fighting against it.

Since the outbreak of the civil war in South Sudan in December 2013, aid has been channelled through Kenya and Uganda.

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Juba sent a high-level delegation to Khartoum last week to discuss oil export issues and the opening of border crossings to joint trade.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to visit the Sudanese capital of Khartoum in the coming days for discussions.