October 23, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) - Sudan dismissed Western accusations on Wednesday that it hinders aid access, saying travel permits for humanitarian workers are necessary to ensure their safety in the conflict-ridden country. The statement comes after Sudanese authorities expelled a UN delegation led by Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Toby Harward and barred them from visiting South and East Darfur. The delegation had previously visited West Darfur. 'Claims by Western countries that we are disrupting entry visas and movement permits are baseless,' the foreign ministry said in a statement. 'Over 90% of entry requests have been approved. Movement permits are in place to protect aid workers – a responsibility the government takes seriously.' The ministry condemned accusations that the army and the government are obstructing humanitarian aid, calling them an attempt 'to downplay the Rapid Support Forces' (RSF) use of starvation as a weapon of war against the Sudanese people.' Earlier this month, several Western nations, including the European Commission, the United States, and the United Kingdom, issued a joint statement condemning obstacles to aid delivery in Sudan. They cited visa issuance and travel permits as examples and called on Sudan to allow humanitarian actors to operate independently and without hindrance. …

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