More than 650,000 people have been displaced or severely affected by fighting in two Sudanese states, the United Nations said on Wednesday, expressing hope that a newly signed aid deal will lead to access after months of restrictions. The UN has expressed concern for months about a worsening humanitarian situation in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile warzone, but Khartoum cited security concerns in tightly restricting the operations of foreign relief agencies. On Sunday, however, Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN, African Union and Arab League to allow for humanitarian access throughout the warzone — including in rebel-held areas. “It has taken 14 months to get to this point,” Mark Cutts, the UN’s acting resident and humanitarian coordinator, said after a mid-year briefing to aid agencies, diplomats and others. “We greatly welcome the government’s acceptance of this initiative and signing of a memorandum of understanding,” he said, expecting “major progress” on reaching needy civilians over coming days and weeks.
