Sudan Warns Against Politicizing Humanitarian Aid

Geneva – Sudanhorizon
Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Hassan Hamid Hassan, met on Wednesday, with Shannon Howard, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Geneva, as part of ongoing periodic briefings with the international organization.
During the meeting, the Permanent Representative reviewed the humanitarian situation and food security in Sudan. He discussed ways to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the WFP, emphasizing a transition from limited humanitarian interventions toward supporting recovery projects and the rehabilitation of vital facilities—particularly in the agricultural production sector, with a focus on supporting smallholder farmers.

Ambassador Hamid provided an update on the severe humanitarian consequences resulting from the terrorist militia’s targeting of power plants, water facilities, and civilian infrastructure, which has led to the displacement of productive agricultural communities. He noted that the militia employs a policy of starvation as a weapon to forcibly displace populations, resulting in food insecurity in areas under their control.
He further explained that Sudan—much like other nations across the belt stretching from the Horn of Africa in the east to West Africa—has been affected by the El Niño phenomenon, climate change, and a lack of rainfall. He underscored the importance of supporting preparations for the winter agricultural season, enhancing the capacity for irrigated farming, and bolstering national capabilities to strengthen food security. The Permanent Representative warned against attempts to politicize humanitarian action or to exploit food security concerns for political ends, pointing in this regard to the joint ministerial statement issued by Norway and several other countries last October.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring objectivity and accuracy in data and reports concerning humanitarian issues. He reiterated the Government of Sudan’s commitment to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid through approved crossings and routes, while stressing the necessity of respecting the state’s sovereignty and maintaining close coordination with it throughout all stages of humanitarian operations.
Ambassador Hamid underscored Sudan’s keenness to continue its long-standing cooperative and coordinated relationship with the World Food Programme (WFP). He commended the successful recent visit to Sudan by the WFP’s new Executive Director, Luke Lindberg, noting that it provided opportunities to strengthen the partnership in areas such as food assistance, recovery efforts, and agricultural production.
For her part, Shannon Howard highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between the WFP and the Government of Sudan, given the scale of humanitarian needs and the funding challenges facing the organization’s operations.
She emphasized the need to mobilize international support, bolster efforts toward achieving food security, and strengthen the capacity of affected communities to recover and restore their livelihoods.

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