The ongoing conflict in Sudan is exacerbating a deepening humanitarian crisis, with drone attacks increasingly targeting vital aid routes. In a significant blow, the Ardamata bridge in West Darfur province was damaged by explosions overnight. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a struggle for control of the country since April 2023.
The damage to the bridge, which connects the city of El Geneina to the border with neighboring Chad, has rendered a crucial route for commercial traffic and humanitarian supplies into the Darfur region unusable.
Concerns Over Rainy Season
The situation is also dire in South Kordofan province, where two bridges on the road between Kadugli and Dilling were reportedly destroyed over the weekend. Farhan Haq, the UN Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted that these destructions are disrupting the movement of civilians and aid operations. “Humanitarian partners warn that there will be no viable alternative routes once the seasonal rains intensify,” Haq stated.
Insecurity and Attacks Hamper Access
Amidst these developments, humanitarian movements along the Geneina-Zalingei road, linking West and Central Darfur, resumed Monday after a brief suspension due to security concerns and rising inter-communal tensions. However, access remains precarious. This road is a critical corridor for humanitarian aid being transported from Chad into Darfur and Kordofan.
The impact of drone activity is being felt across many regions of Sudan, affecting over 30 million people who require humanitarian assistance. A drone was reportedly shot down in Omdurman, Khartoum state, on Tuesday, and multiple attacks were reported in Dilling the previous day. Haq reiterated the UN’s call for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the need for rapid, safe, unhindered, and sustained humanitarian access.
Impact on Chad
A senior UN official drew attention to the spillover effects of the war in Sudan on Chad. Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, informed the Security Council on Tuesday, “The direct impact on Chad cannot be overstated as the conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year.” The influx of nearly one million Sudanese refugees and approximately 300,000 Chadian returnees is placing a significant strain on resources. Pobee warned, “Repeated cross-border incursions and drone attacks on Chadian military positions carry the risk of further regionalization of the conflict.” She urged, “We call on all partners to intensify efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and to assist Chad in coping with the impacts of the crisis.”
WHO Intervention
The World Health Organization (WHO) also stressed the immense pressure the refugee influx is exerting on Chad’s fragile health systems and services. WHO continues to work with authorities and partners to strengthen emergency response, support frontline health workers, and improve access to essential health services. “Solidarity and coordinated action remain critical, from emergency medical assistance to mental health and psychosocial care,” the organization stated.
