The members of the ‘Troika’ – Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States – announced in statement Thursday that they welcome the government of Sudan’s opening of the border crossing into Bentiu town in South Sudan, for the delivery of humanitarian food assistance to areas gravely affected by the conflict and suffering from famine and severe food insecurity.
The three Western governments said this border crossing will allow for a second access route for emergency food assistance, along with the already open Kosti -Renk river corridor.
“The Troika also recognizes the Government of Sudan’s efforts to facilitate the flow of food assistance through Port Sudan,” partly reads the statement.
The members of the Troika noted that Sudan has accepted over 365,000 South Sudanese refugees, including more than 60,000 South Sudanese who have entered Sudan in the first three months of 2017.
They encouraged the Sudanese government to ensure continued humanitarian access to these refugee communities. “The Troika also welcomes the Sudanese government’s decision to donate food from their own food reserves to people in need in South Sudan,” the Troika said.
The group called on the South Sudanese government to coordinate with the World Food Program and partners providing vital assistance.
“The Troika urges the government and all armed groups to allow full and safe humanitarian access to reach communities in need, and to ensure that food and other commodities are not diverted from the intended beneficiaries,” the three governments said.
The Troika recommended the opening of additional land and water routes between Sudan and South Sudan so that communities in both countries can benefit from open trade and the efficient and swift movement of humanitarian goods and personnel.