Ongoing conflict in Sudan is severely impacting crucial transportation networks essential for delivering humanitarian aid. In West Darfur state, explosions reportedly targeted the Ardamata bridge, jeopardizing a vital commercial and aid route between El Geneina city and the border with neighboring Chad. The country has been gripped by intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023.
Further compounding the crisis, two key bridges on the road connecting Kadugli and Dilling cities in South Kordofan state were reportedly destroyed over the weekend. This destruction hinders civilian movement and aid operations, particularly as seasonal rains begin. Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the United Nations (UN), warned, “Humanitarian partners are warning that there will be no viable alternative routes once the seasonal rains intensify.”
Amidst these developments, humanitarian movements along the Geneina-Zalingei road, which connects West and Central Darfur, resumed on Monday after a brief halt due to security concerns and rising social tensions. However, access remains fragile. This route is a critical corridor for transporting humanitarian aid from Chad into the Darfur and Kordofan regions.
Drone activity is also affecting various regions across Sudan, where over 30 million people require humanitarian assistance. Reports indicate a drone was shot down in Omdurman, Khartoum state, on Tuesday, and multiple attacks were reported in Dilling the previous day. The UN has reiterated its call for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, facilitating rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, the war in Sudan is increasingly affecting Chad. The UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, informed the UN Security Council that the conflict’s impact on Chad cannot be underestimated as it enters its fourth year. The influx of approximately one million Sudanese refugees and 300,000 Chadian returnees is placing significant strain on resources. Pobee stated, “Repeated cross-border violations and drone attacks on Chadian military positions carry the risk of further regionalization of the conflict. We call on all partners to increase their efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and assist Chad in coping with the effects of the crisis.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the immense pressure the refugee influx is placing on Chad’s vulnerable health systems and services. The WHO continues to work with authorities and partners to strengthen emergency response, support frontline health workers, and improve access to essential healthcare. The organization emphasized, “Solidarity and coordinated action are critical, from emergency medical assistance to mental health and psychosocial support.”
