GALICIA, Spain — In August 2024, the Adré border crossing between Chad and Sudan reopened to allow humanitarian supplies into Darfur. Following the decision by Sudanese authorities, humanitarian supplies began moving through the crossing. OCHA reported that 59 aid trucks crossed between Aug. 20 and Aug. 30, 2024, with additional humanitarian supplies being prepared to cross.
Access Challenges in Humanitarian Aid
The reopening highlighted a frequently overlooked problem with delivering humanitarian aid in wartime: the availability of aid does not guarantee access to those who need it. Adré illustrates a challenge humanitarian organizations constantly face—not whether aid exists, but whether they can reach those in need.
Access depends on a range of actors, from Sudanese and Chadian authorities determining border crossing usage, to international diplomats facilitating humanitarian access, and humanitarian organizations negotiating assistance delivery.
Even when access is granted, organizations face delays, movement restrictions and security obstacles. Alsanosi Adam, external communications coordinator for the Emergency Response Rooms, said, “The reality is therefore much more complicated than simply obtaining permission from one authority.” He noted that local commanders, security actors, checkpoints and bureaucratic institutions shaped access.
Who Controls Humanitarian Aid Access?
The question of who controls humanitarian aid access has no simple answer. Understanding access requires looking beyond who controls the aid itself. It involves considering who determines where aid can go, which organizations can operate in particular areas, and whether workers can safely reach communities.
In principle, humanitarian assistance goes to people and entities according to need. In practice, political decisions, territorial control, security conditions, administrative requirements and negotiations between organizations and those controlling access shape access to affected populations.
Governments, armed groups and local authorities can restrict operations. Border controls, registration requirements, travel permits and movement restrictions also affect operations. The International Committee of the Red Cross notes that access is closely connected to the obligations of parties to an armed conflict under international humanitarian law.
Multiple formal and informal authorities shape humanitarian access in Sudan rather than a single actor shaping it. An organization may receive authorization to operate but still encounter delays, restrictions or security obstacles on the ground.
Adam explained, “The reality is much more complicated than simply obtaining permission from one authority.” Formal authorization does not eliminate the influence of local commanders, checkpoints, security actors or bureaucratic institutions.
No single actor controls access. All these actors are intertwined like a spider web; untangling their connection is nearly impossible as one leads to another.
Governments and armed groups exemplify this web; they control territory, security and movement. Humanitarian organizations must negotiate access and navigate administrative restrictions with those in power.
The Role of Local Organizations
Local organizations play a crucial role in navigating these challenges. In Sudan, Emergency Response Rooms have developed community-based networks allowing local responders to assist in conflict-affected areas. Adam described these networks as vital where international organizations face difficulties reaching communities.
The United Nations also plays a central role in coordinating and delivering humanitarian assistance. Through its agencies and partners, the UN assesses needs, coordinates responses and supports assistance delivery to people experiencing conflict and crisis.
However, UN agencies and other organizations operate within political, administrative and security constraints. Coordination and capacity do not give these organizations the authority to determine operational areas or ensure safe access to affected populations.
Overcoming Humanitarian Access Barriers
One way to overcome access restrictions is to negotiate and maintain cross-border humanitarian access. The reopening of the Adré crossing demonstrates both the potential and fragility of this approach. While reopening allowed supplies into Darfur, access remains dependent on political decisions and the ability to operate safely once aid enters the country.
Improving access is not limited to opening borders or negotiating routes. It depends on whether local organizations have the resources, influence and protection necessary to reach communities once routes are available.
Measures to Improve Access to Humanitarian Aid
Adam identified several measures to improve access while strengthening Sudanese-led organizations. He recommended greater diplomatic pressure, urging donors and governments to use their influence to encourage respect for international humanitarian law and facilitate access. Negotiated access can create opportunities, but sustained diplomatic engagement is necessary to ensure agreements translate into meaningful access for civilians.
Funding was another major issue that Adam raised. He recommended greater direct, flexible and multi-year funding for Sudanese organizations and Emergency Response Rooms, rather than relying primarily on international intermediaries.
According to Adam, flexible funding is crucial as local responders operate in an environment where needs and security conditions change rapidly. Stronger direct support could allow community-based organizations to respond without waiting for lengthy institutional processes.
Adam also argued that support should extend beyond funding. Sudanese organizations, such as the Emergency Response Rooms, should have a greater role in decision-making and determining priorities. This approach would give more weight to the knowledge of organizations working directly within affected communities. Rather than treating local organizations as implementing partners, Adam said they should have a stronger voice in shaping the response.
Finally, Adam emphasized the importance of protecting Sudanese humanitarian volunteers. Local responders are civilians in active conflict, and supporting locally led action must include attention to their physical and mental well-being.
For Adam, the objective is not to recreate the international humanitarian system at a local level, but to strengthen structures that Sudanese communities have already built. “The objective should not be to make local organizations look like international NGOs. The objective should be to strengthen the systems that Sudanese communities have already built.”
Looking Ahead
Humanitarian organizations are crucial to delivering aid, but their ability to reach those in need depends on decisions and conditions beyond their control. The case of Sudan demonstrates that access is shaped by governments, armed groups, security conditions, bureaucratic restrictions, and political decisions.
The reopening of Adré showed that negotiated access can create a route for assistance, but maintaining access requires continued political cooperation. The challenge is to strengthen existing responses through greater funding, protection, and inclusion in decision-making. Meanwhile, the Emergency Response Rooms illustrate that local communities and volunteers can continue reaching people when international organizations cannot.
– Clara Iglesias Romero
Clara is based in Galicia, Spain and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash