Brussels, December 15 (Darfur24)
The European Union announced on Monday the launch of an emergency air bridge to deliver humanitarian assistance to Darfur, with the first flights scheduled to arrive on Friday.
In a statement obtained by Darfur24, the EU said the first flight carried around 100 tonnes of relief supplies from its humanitarian stockpiles and partner organizations.
The EU explained that the air bridge will consist of eight flights continuing throughout this month and next, aimed at transporting life-saving assistance to Darfur amid mass atrocities, famine, and widespread displacement caused by the conflict in Sudan, which has left millions in urgent need of aid.
It noted that the humanitarian situation in Darfur—one of the most difficult regions in the world for aid organizations to access—has deteriorated sharply since the Rapid Support Forces took control of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, in late October.
“The fall of the city marks a major escalation in an already severe humanitarian catastrophe and has further restricted access to aid,” the statement said, adding that civilians who managed to flee reported widespread violations of international humanitarian law.
According to the EU, the airlift is transporting shelter materials, water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies, as well as essential health items. The total value of the air bridge is estimated at €3.5 million, funded through the EU’s humanitarian aid budget.
The European Union added that it has provided more than €270 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan this year alone, making it one of the largest donors to the humanitarian response.