Sudan: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (February 2025)

Highlights

February saw intense fighting across the country, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. Active fighting, bureaucratic impediments and travel restrictions continue to hamper partners’ ability to reach affected populations. Some humanitarian partners have suspended their operations in Zamzam camp due to the armed activity on the roads leading to Zamzam camp and the ongoing siege of Al-Fasher.

SARHO, an RSF-aligned agency, imposed travel restrictions on humanitarian organizations that have not signed a cooperation agreement. The restrictions caused significant delays on the delivery of essential lifesaving supplies in Darfur. Though the restriction has allegedly been lifted until April, SARHO continues to interfere with humanitarian operations, restricting supplies from reaching localities outside RSF control and imposing armed escorts. Engagement with SARHO is becoming increasingly challenging, further shrinking the humanitarian space in RSF-controlled areas.

In Gedaref and Kassala states, operational interference by State authorities constrained humanitarian operations. Reported cases of interference included exorbitant financial demands for recruitment fees raising the financial burden on partners, delays in signing technical agreements, denial of travel permits, blurred engagement lines and interference in prioritization and beneficiary targeting, all contributing to a slow response.

During the month, out of 113 reported visa applications submitted by INGOs, only 66 were approved and 10 were rejected. 68 per cent of the unapproved applications were pending for more than four weeks. Multiple-entry visa applications, including for senior staff, were rejected despite having single entry approvals. Two UN agencies have reported 20 pending applications, out of which 10 were pending for more than a month. Overall, each month the number of single-entry visas granted is about half the number of visas applied for, causing a significant backlog and making it difficult for organizations to scale up and rotate staff.

With the two main bridges linking Zalingei with Geneina and Adre being inaccessible, there is a concern that many areas in Darfur will be isolated during the upcoming rainy season. Accessing Central and South Darfur will only be possible through long crossline movements or alternative solutions to cross flooded wadis.

Sudan authorities have extended the use of the Adre crossing point for another three months starting 16 February. Access to Khartoum and Wad Medani has also improved after the re-opening of previously closed routes and a reduction in hostilities.