RIYADH — The Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group called on the warring Sudanese parties to guarantee safe passage of humanitarian aid in the war-torn country. In a statement, the group reiterated their shared commitment to working with other international partners to alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan and eventually a cessation of hostilities agreement. The group, which includes Saudi Arabia, the United States, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the African Union and the United Nations, reconvened virtually on August 29 to continue efforts to end the suffering of the Sudanese people and issued the statement. "Since concluding our formal session in Switzerland, we have continued to engage the warring parties on efforts to expand emergency access to humanitarian aid and strengthen the protection of civilians across Sudan, along with broader compliance with existing obligations under international humanitarian law and commitments under the Jeddah Declaration," the statement said, adding: "Following our initial meeting in Switzerland, the Sovereign Council affirmed the opening of the Adre border crossing to humanitarian operations. This agreement - along with guarantees for access along the Dabbah Road - have already allowed 5.8 million pounds of emergency aid to move into famine-stricken and famine risk areas of Darfur which will provide immediate help to almost a quarter million people, and dozens of aid trucks are now moving each day to those in need." The group underlined the need for the expansion of aid access into the heartland of Sudan. "To that end, the ALPS partners call on the SAF and RSF to guarantee safe passage of humanitarian aid along the road from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum, as well as roads from Khartoum to El Obeid and to Kosti, including through Sennar. This will enable the transport of life saving assistance to millions in need," it said. The ALPS members also called for additional border crossings to be opened for the passage of assistance through the most direct and efficient routes, including the Aweil crossing from South Sudan. The ALPS Group reiterated their shared commitment to working with other international partners to alleviate the suffering of the people of Sudan and eventually a cessation of hostilities agreement. The group offered their condolences for the lives lost during the recent collapse of the Ar Rabat dam as well as for those killed by continued violence between the parties to the conflict. The ALPS Group expressed its deep concern over the reports of clashes in El Fasher, North Darfur, leading to the displacement of thousands of people for the third and fourth time. Women and girls are again the most affected as they face continued violence and looting by armed groups. It is imperative that all civilians, including IDPs in camps, are protected and that all parties to the conflict comply with IHL to prevent further human suffering. To this end, the ALPS Group also underscored their intent to continue to elevate and integrate the perspectives of Sudanese women leaders into these efforts. The group noted that this meeting was the first of what will be regularly scheduled follow-up ALPS group meetings even as we stand ready to reconvene virtually as needed to continually advance efforts to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese people
