“Nowhere is safe” - aid worker reports metres from attacks in Port Sudan

Widespread destruction has been reported, including huge damage to Port Sudan Airport, fuel warehouses and the Marina Hotel, which was housing a large number of diplomats and international aid workers. 

Port Sudan was one of the only parts of Sudan to be relatively unimpacted by the war and many charities, including Plan International Sudan, are headquartered in the city. It is likely the attacks will have significant repercussions for the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to the millions who have been impacted by the fighting. 

The conflict in Sudan has led to an unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe, with over 25 million people facing catastrophic food shortages, over 14 million forcibly displaced and the declaration of famine in parts of the country.

Speaking from Port Sudan following the latest wave of attacks, Mohamed Kamal, Country Director for Plan International Sudan said:

“Until Sunday, Port Sudan was relatively untouched by the worst violence of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, but now the city is burning. The destruction is immense. Homes, fuel warehouses and even the airport have been utterly devastated, and the attacks show no signs of stopping.

“Our office is a ten-minute walk from one of the fuel depots which was hit with a drone strike this morning, while I was just metres away from one of the many explosions that have hit the city since Sunday. Everywhere I look there are burning fires and collapsed buildings – there is currently nowhere safe to go in Port Sudan. 

“This is a catastrophic development and will only lead to more children and civilians losing their lives and homes. We are especially concerned about how the assault will impact our ability to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to children, girls and their families across Sudan, as well as the safety of our own staff who are headquartered in the city. However, despite the attacks, we remain determined to continue to reach as many people as possible with essential support, including the provision of food aid, emergency shelter and protection services for children. 

“As Port Sudan burns, the world cannot continue to ignore what is happening here. Sudan is already in the grip of a lethal food shortage, and there are more forcibly displaced children from Sudan than any other country. For the sake of millions of Sudanese children, there must be an immediate, permanent ceasefire and a dramatic upscale in humanitarian assistance entering all parts of the country.”