Port Sudan receives tons of humanitarian aid through its airports and seaport, including from several countries involved in Sudan’s pre- and post-war peacemaking efforts (China, Egypt, the European Union, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and the United States ).[1] UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also provided aid. Access to aid has, however, been arbitrarily restricted by government actors, with accusations of theft, obstruction, and intimidation (Nashed, 2023a).
Port Sudan does not have sufficient humanitarian infrastructure and neither the government nor international organizations possess the means to adequately shelter or provide for the IDPs residing in the city. The provision of most of the humanitarian assistance in Port Sudan, including housing centres, was established by local volunteer groups, making use of student dormitories, tribal association centres, and cultural and sports clubs. Despite these critical community-led initiatives, volunteer groups and communities were excluded from the design and implementation of aid delivery operations.[2]
Since the outbreak of war, aid agencies and humanitarians have complained of bureaucratic and security restrictions limiting relief efforts: visas have been delayed and excessive inspections have slowed outbound deliveries (OCHA, 2023; Sudan INGO Forum, 2023). Meanwhile, informal community-based networks, including in Port Sudan, have been marginalized by the government and international agencies, and have experienced interference from both SAF and the RSF. Drawing on the support of local networks, including post-war emergency rooms and resistance committees, could extend the reach of humanitarian aid, strengthen transparency mechanisms, and increase public confidence. Furthermore, boosting local networks’ involvement would strengthen their capacity to support communities after aid agencies and NGOs leave.
[1] Author interview with Abdel Fattah Mohamed, War Emergency Rooms volunteer, Port Sudan, Sudan, 16 July 2023.
[2] Author interview with Abdel Fattah Mohamed, War Emergency Rooms volunteer, Port Sudan, Sudan, 16 July 2023.
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