ALPS Group Reports Progress On Humanitarian Access And Law In Sudan Crisis

The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group held its weekly virtual session on 5th September. The focus was on expanding emergency humanitarian access and upholding international humanitarian law. Last week, around 3,114 metric tons of supplies reached about 300,000 people in Darfur, thanks to the ALPS Group and the dedicated efforts of humanitarian workers on the ground.

The ALPS delegation is actively engaging with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Their goal is to expand road access from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum. They are also working on roads from Khartoum to El Obeid and Kosti, including routes through Sennar. The delegation is urging for additional border crossings to be opened, such as the Aweil crossing from South Sudan.

ALPS members are pressing the SAF to announce and implement a simplified notification system. They are also urging the RSF to fully adopt this system to reduce bureaucratic barriers that endanger lives daily. With over 25 million people facing famine and acute hunger, quick notification is crucial for moving humanitarian cargo within Sudan. Every delay results in lost lives.

The ALPS Group acknowledged a new directive issued by the RSF aimed at protecting civilians. They support this pledge of accountability and will closely monitor its implementation. The group identified critical areas where hostilities should be immediately deescalated by both RSF and SAF, including El Fasher. This step is essential for civilian protection and urgent relief access, aligning with commitments made in the Jeddah Declaration.

The ALPS Group continues to call on the international community to pressure both sides towards these goals. They reiterate their commitment to working with other international partners to alleviate suffering in Sudan and eventually achieve a cessation of hostilities agreement.

Consultation with Sudanese Women

The ALPS Group remains committed to consulting with Sudanese women as part of their platform. This ongoing consultation aims to ensure that women's voices are included in efforts towards peace and humanitarian relief in Sudan.

The group's dedication extends beyond immediate relief efforts; they aim for long-term solutions that address both humanitarian needs and peacebuilding initiatives.

With inputs from WAM