June 16, 2012 (KHARTOUM) - Sudan complained on Saturday that some foreigners and diplomats travel to the nine year long conflict area of Darfur under the cover of humanitarian activities.

The announcement was made through the official news agency SUNA after a meeting between Sudan’s social affairs minister Amira Al-Fadil and European Union Special Representative for Sudan, Rosalind Marsden.

Suleiman Abdel Rahman, Sudan’s Humanitarian Commissioner, stated that the meeting discussed emergency humanitarian assistance in Darfur, the eastern Sudan situation and the tripartite proposal over humanitarian aid to South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

The EU humanitarian department (ECHO) which is one of the main aid donors to Sudan allocated €110 million this year for Sudan and Chad, mainly to support vulnerable Sudanese affected by Darfur conflict.

Suleiman said that ministry welcomed the EU humanitarian assistance to Sudan underscoring that his government continues to authorise emergency aid to the civilians in need in Darfur.

He further pointed out that some foreigners and ambassadors travel to Darfur under the cover of emergency humanitarian assistance while they are not concerned with aid activities.

The official did not elaborate on this issue but Khartoum remains highly sensitive over issues related to the humanitarian situation in the restive region because since the signing of Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (SSPD) it puts the closure of internally displaced people (IDP’s) camps at the top of its priorities.

However recent reports from the region say residents of Darfur camps complain about the lack of humanitarian aid, warning that the situation might worsen with the rainy season.

Suleiman further praised ECHO’s continued support to the successful humanitarian projects in eastern Sudan.

Meanwhile, he underlined that some humanitarian projects failed and have become futile with weak return. He added the aid groups working on these projects need new funding and to review their activities before the end of June 2012.

He further added the failed projects are mainly small agricultural projects or health centres with limited effect as their funding have ceased and they have become unjustified.

The announcement insinuates that Sudan gave the seven suspended humanitarian groups a new delay to resolve the problems they encounter in their activities there.

However no statement has been made by the former British ambassador to Sudan and EU special envoy after the meeting on this regard.

(ST)