ALPS Group Pushes for Humanitarian Access in Sudan

The ALPS Group convened virtually on September 19, 2024, to advance emergency humanitarian access across Sudan, advocating for humanitarian pauses and civilian protections while pursuing a broader cessation of hostilities, according to a joint statement released via the Saudi Press Agency. The group expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly the catastrophic malnutrition reported in Zamzam camp, and underscored the urgency of coordinated international action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Context and Background

The ALPS Group, comprising representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the African Union, Egypt, the European Union, Germany, Qatar, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), was formed to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan. Since its inception, the group has worked tirelessly to mediate between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming to secure humanitarian access and protect civilians. The ongoing crisis, which began in April 2023, has displaced millions and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

Key Details

The ALPS Group welcomed the full opening of Kassala and Dongola airports by Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, enabling the UN’s World Food Programme Humanitarian Air Service to conduct critical relief flights. It urged the SAF to facilitate additional airfield assessments and the RSF to honor its commitments, ensuring the security of aircraft and personnel. The group also noted progress in crossline humanitarian movements from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum, but emphasized that these efforts remain insufficient to meet the immense needs. It called for unhindered access along additional routes, including Khartoum to El Obeid and Kosti, and Kassala to Wad Medani.

Regarding El Fasher, the group demanded that all international actors press the warring parties to comply with international law, protect civilians, and halt attacks. It urged the RSF to refrain from targeting civilians and the SAF to cease aerial bombardments. Immediate humanitarian pauses were sought in El Fasher, Sennar, Khartoum, and al-Jazira states to allow safe passage for those in need.

Implications and Impact

The ALPS Group’s efforts are crucial for stabilizing Sudan and preventing further regional spillover. By facilitating humanitarian access, the group aims to contain famine and mitigate the crisis’s impact on neighboring countries. The proposed compliance mechanism, linked to the Jeddah Declaration, seeks to ensure both parties adhere to their commitments, paving the way for a sustainable peace. The group’s engagement with Sudanese women highlights its inclusive approach, recognizing the vital role of women in peacebuilding and recovery.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the ALPS Group reflects its commitment to regional stability and humanitarian values, key pillars of Vision 2030. By fostering international cooperation and mediating conflicts, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a global peacemaker and responsible actor on the world stage. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic influence and contributing to a more secure and prosperous region.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the ALPS Group?

A1. The ALPS Group is a coalition of countries and international organizations, including Saudi Arabia, the US, UAE, UK, African Union, Egypt, EU, Germany, Qatar, and IGAD, formed to mediate the Sudan conflict and facilitate humanitarian aid.

Q2. When did the ALPS Group meet virtually?

A2. The ALPS Group met virtually on September 19, 2024, to discuss expanding emergency humanitarian access across Sudan and advocate for humanitarian pauses where critically needed.

Q3. What concerning data was noted by the ALPS Group?

A3. The ALPS Group noted catastrophic malnutrition data from Zamzam camp, highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the urgency of their deliberations.

Q4. Which airports did the Transitional Sovereign Council open?

A4. The Transitional Sovereign Council fully opened Kassala and Dongola airports for the UN’s World Food Programme Humanitarian Air Service to execute humanitarian assistance flights.

Q5. What commitments are expected from the RSF and SAF?

A5. The RSF should keep up its commitment to facilitate airfield assessments, and both parties must guarantee the security of aircraft and staff managing air operations.

Q6. What positive development in humanitarian access was welcomed?

A6. The ALPS Group welcomed news that humanitarian operations are now moving across conflict lines from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum, with partners already reaching some people in need.

Q7. Why is the current humanitarian access insufficient?

A7. The expansion remains insufficient to meet the needs of the people and ensure efficient delivery of hundreds of thousands of tons of additional assistance being mobilized for Sudan.

Q8. What additional routes are needed for humanitarian access?

A8. Further crossline movements are needed from Khartoum to El Obeid and Kosti, as well as from Kassala to Wad Medani and beyond, to reach the heartland of the crisis.

Q9. What actions are urged regarding El Fasher?

A9. The ALPS Group calls on international actors to press warring parties to comply with international law, protect civilians, and urged the RSF to refrain from attacks and the SAF to stop aerial bombardments.

Q10. Where are humanitarian pauses sought?

A10. Immediate humanitarian pauses are sought in El Fasher, Sennar, Khartoum, and al-Jazira states to allow humanitarian access and corridors for those most in need.

Q11. What must warring parties ensure for civilians?

A11. Warring parties must ensure civilians can safely leave areas of fighting and take all necessary precautionary measures to limit negative impacts on civilians.

Q12. What is the proposed compliance mechanism?

A12. The compliance mechanism proposed by the ALPS Group seeks to facilitate implementation and prevent violations of commitments made under the Jeddah Declaration.

Q13. Why is the Jeddah Declaration significant?

A13. The Jeddah Declaration, signed in May 2023, outlines commitments to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access, serving as a basis for the ALPS Group’s compliance mechanism.

Q14. How does the ALPS Group involve Sudanese women?

A14. The group affirmed it will continue to consult with Sudanese women as part of its work, recognizing their role in peacebuilding and recovery.

Q15. What is the spirit of the ALPS Group?

A15. The spirit is one of alignment, striving to build greater international cooperation on alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people and ending the violence.

Q16. What is the humanitarian situation in Sudan?

A16. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with catastrophic malnutrition in Zamzam camp and widespread displacement, creating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.

Q17. What role does Saudi Arabia play in the ALPS Group?

A17. Saudi Arabia is a key member, leveraging its diplomatic influence to mediate the conflict, facilitate humanitarian aid, and promote regional stability, in line with Vision 2030.

Q18. What is the World Food Programme’s role?

A18. The WFP’s Humanitarian Air Service executes humanitarian assistance flights, delivering critical aid to affected populations in Sudan.

Q19. What are the implications for regional stability?

A19. The ALPS Group’s efforts are crucial for stabilizing Sudan and preventing spillover, with humanitarian access and peace negotiations key to containing the crisis and fostering recovery.

Q20. How does this align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the ALPS Group reflects Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing diplomatic influence, promoting global peace, and contributing to a secure and prosperous region.

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