Sudan INGO Forum: Aid agencies condemn recent attacks in Port Sudan, call for protection of critical civilian infrastructure

May 06, 2025

Port Sudan, May 6, 2025 -- Aid agencies working in Sudan expressed deep concern about the deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure in Port Sudan and called for urgent measures to protect critical infrastructure as well as the lives and safety of civilians. The drone and missile attacks, which started on May 4, have hit Port Sudan International Airport, fuel storage facilities, the maritime port, at least one hotel, as well as water and power facilities, in direct violation of the fundamental principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law.

These assaults have caused widespread fires, heavy smoke over residential areas, and flight cancellations, further endangering the lives and wellbeing of thousands of innocent civilians.

Since the start of the conflict, aid agencies have depended on Port Sudan--and particularly its airport and seaport--as a vital gateway for international assistance and home to many IDPs relocated from different states. The United Nations’ suspension of humanitarian flights to Port Sudan following these strikes will severely constrain the delivery of lifesaving food, medical supplies, and clean water to vulnerable populations, risking a further deterioration of the already critical humanitarian situation. Damage to power stations is also forcing aid agencies to rely on generator power, raising concerns about looming fuel shortages.

Further bombardment of energy and water infrastructure will deepen the risk of disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and protection crises among the most vulnerable, including women, children, and the elderly. It will also severely constrain aid agencies’ ability to respond to the growing needs in Sudan.

We urge all parties to the conflict to fully respect their obligations under the Geneva Conventions, to differentiate between military objectives and civilian objects, and to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas in need.

We also appeal to the international community, regional bodies and donor governments to increase diplomatic pressure to hold perpetrators of such attacks--and their sponsors-- accountable, and to facilitate a meaningful and solution-oriented dialogue amongst all parties.

 

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