The U.S. special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, has called for the urgent implementation of humanitarian corridors and aid pauses to expedite relief efforts in the war-torn nation.
Speaking to media after meeting SAF leadership, Perriello emphasized the need for faster and broader aid delivery.
“We are pleased with some progress, but much more is needed,” Perriello said, referencing recent developments, including the approval of aid flights to South Kordofan and General al-Burhan’s forces (SAF) agreement to use the Adre border crossing into Darfur.
Sudan remains gripped by a 19-month conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a crisis that has exacerbated hunger and disease.
Both factions are accused of obstructing humanitarian efforts, with the RSF linked to looting and the army to bureaucratic delays.
During his visit to Port Sudan, Perriello proposed measures such as creating humanitarian corridors and ceasefire pauses to Sudanese Sovereign Council leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and others.
Last month, the council approved flights to deliver aid to rebel-controlled areas of South Kordofan through an agreement with South Sudan’s government. However, Perriello stressed the need for similar access to other regions, including Khartoum, Omdurman, and al-Fashir.
“If we can extend that approach to other areas, we could deliver life-saving aid to millions of desperate Sudanese,” he said.
The U.S. continues to engage both the army and RSF in negotiations for humanitarian access and a potential ceasefire, though progress remains elusive. “We remain in active communication with RSF leadership on humanitarian and peace talks,” Perriello added.
The ongoing conflict underscores the urgent need for solutions to address Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis.