The Humanitarian Aid Commission Rejects statements by the American Envoy and Describes them as “False”

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon – Talal Ismail

The Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission has rejected statements made by the U.S. envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, who accused the commission of blocking the delivery of emergency aid to those in need.

In a statement issued Thursday, viewed by the news site Sudanhorizon, the commission said: “We have seen in the media and on social platforms a statement attributed to Mr. Tom Perriello, the U.S. special envoy to Sudan, claiming that the Humanitarian Aid Commission is preventing the delivery of emergency aid to those in need and that the commission blocked 520 out of 550 humanitarian aid trucks from leaving Port Sudan.”

The statement added: “These allegations by Mr. Perriello are part of an organized campaign targeting the efforts led by the Humanitarian Aid Commission to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance as part of its professional and ethical responsibility towards those in need and those affected by the war that has created critical humanitarian conditions. The commission categorically refutes Mr. Perriello’s statements, stating that it would have been more realistic and courageous of him to direct his criticism toward the Rapid Support Forces militia, which has been looting, detaining, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid, besieging those in need, and denying them access to food and medicine.”

According to the statement, the Humanitarian Aid Commission expressed its deep astonishment and condemnation of Perriello’s statements, which it considers baseless.

The commission also clarified that, between January 1 and November 6, 2024, it granted 12,170 movement permits to organizations and agencies, allowed 1,073 trucks to enter through the Adre and Tina crossings, and approved the movement of 10,705 trucks through various internal routes and crossings. Additionally, it approved 2,985 entry visas for foreign humanitarian workers, and the total funds provided by the government in the form of customs and tax exemptions, transportation of aid, and purchase of supplies exceeded 600 million dollars.

The Humanitarian Aid Commission affirmed its ongoing efforts and role in facilitating and delivering humanitarian aid in coordination and collaboration with all government, United Nations, and organization partners, in commitment to and respect for international humanitarian law and human rights principles.