Türkiye delivers first batch of 30,000 relief tents to Sudan

Türkiye has delivered the first batch of 10,000 out of 30,000 emergency tents to assist Sudan’s growing shelter crisis.

The shipment arrived at Port of Sudan and was welcomed by the Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) Vice President of Hamza Taşdelen and Türkiye’s ambassador to Sudan Fatih Yıldız.

Others present were Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission Commissioner Selva Adem, IOM Sudan Mission Chief Mohamed Refaat and local officials.

The Sudanese national army has been at war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023, following the collapse of a transition toward civilian rule.

The conflict has since killed thousands of people and displaced millions of others in what the United Nations has termed as the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world today.

The tents departed from The Turkish port of Mersin on December 6. Taşdelen said the shipment of approximately 30,000 tents will be delivered in three batches, and that IOM was committed to delivering the tents to worst affected victims.

"We do not see them only as a shelter material. These are also warm messages that the Turkish people say 'We stand by Sudan and the Sudanese' in difficult times. It is also an indication of the deep, ancient friendship and brotherhood between Turkey and Sudan,” said Türkiye’s ambassador Yıldız.

He added: “Sudan and Türkiye will always continue to need each other as friends and brothers. Turkey stands by its Sudanese brothers and sisters without expecting anything in return."

Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commission Commissioner Adem also expressed his sincere gratitude to Türkiye for great support and assistance they have provided to the Sudanese.

"Türkiye stands by its Sudanese brothers and sisters without expecting anything in return and without displaying any hurtful attitude," Adem said.

Sudan Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Selva Adem said the Sudanese government will work to facilitate the delivery of all humanitarian aid.

"We confirm that the aid will be delivered to villages, camps and every region where it is needed. Previous aid has been delivered to those in need, and the process is completely transparent."

IOM Sudan Chief of Mission Refaat emphasized that there is a distribution plan prepared in coordination with the Sudanese government and AFAD, and stated that the necessary coordination will be provided to deliver most of the tents to those in need in North Darfur and Kordofan regions.

Refaat also underlined that Türkiye was the first and only country to donate tents to the Tawila region, where people displaced from Al Fasher took refuge.