KHARTOUM - Sudan on Wednesday accused Western countries of politicizing humanitarian efforts and unjustly blaming the Sudanese army and government for obstructing aid.

The statement followed a joint declaration on Oct 18 by Britain, USAID, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, which called for an end to blockades preventing aid access in Sudan.

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In a statement, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry denounced the joint statement as biased, asserting there is no evidence of the government deliberately hindering humanitarian operations.

The ministry denied that the government authorities deliberately obstructed the issuance of entry visas and movement permits for humanitarian workers.

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It also expressed concern over the call for humanitarian organizations to operate independently of government oversight, suggesting it could undermine state authority.

In response to humanitarian needs, the Sudanese government announced on Oct 19 the opening of four additional airports for aid delivery, making six airports and seven land crossings in Sudan available for humanitarian agencies.

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According to the UN, half of Sudan's population, or about 25 million people, need humanitarian assistance and protection, while nearly 18 million face acute food insecurity.

Sudan has been ravaged by a deadly conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. According to a situation report issued by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project on Oct. 14, the conflict has resulted in more than 24,850 deaths.