Sudan - Meeting Minutes - Port Sudan, 21 July 2026

Content

OCHA Access Update

• The OCHA Access Unit provided an update on humanitarian access conditions across Sudan.
• Access conditions remain fluid in many areas of Sudan. The rainy season is expected to further affect physical access along supply routes in several locations.
• Joint Operating Principles (JOPs) workshops continue to be conducted with humanitarian actors and authorities in several locations. A one-pager on the Joint Operating Principles (JOPs) is available here.
• Partners raised questions regarding reported fees and permit requirements affecting movements to certain locations. It was noted that advocacy efforts regarding reported fees affecting humanitarian operations are ongoing.
• Partners were encouraged to report access constraints through the Access Reporting Tool (ART). For support, contact ocha-sudanaccessreporting@un.org.
• Partners were reminded that the humanitarian access constraints map is available upon request and is updated regularly. Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the OCHA Access Unit.

Operational Updates | Logistics

• The LTC provided an update on its current Concept of Operations, available in English and Arabic, including coordination cells in Port Sudan, Khartoum (where the Deputy LTC Logistics Coordinator is based), and eastern Chad supporting cross-border operations. 

Common Services

• Partners were reminded that the LTC is currently funded until September to provide free-to-user common services to support partner operations. Transport requests have increased since April in line with the scale-up of services. Partners were encouraged to submit requests as early as possible. 
• Common transport support remains available to priority locations within Sudan. The LTC highlighted the availability of short-distance transport support within Tawila using WFP fleet trucks, as well as temperature-controlled transport available from eastern Chad into Darfur on a case-by-case basis.
• Common storage services remain available in Port Sudan, Kosti, Tawila, Ad Dabbah, El Obeid, Kassala, and Gedaref. There are ongoing efforts to expand common storage capacity, including temperature-controlled storage, in additional locations, subject to operational needs and available resources.
• Updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for common logistics services have been published. Guidance for submitting service request forms (SRFs) is available in English and Arabic.
• Partners were reminded that service requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are not processed outside of working hours. Partners were encouraged to plan accordingly.
• Mobile storage units (MSUs) remain available on a loan basis to augment partners’ storage capacity, with stock available in Port Sudan, Tawila, and eastern Chad. Partners remain responsible for securing land and arranging transport and installation. 
• For any questions related to common services and MSUs, contact sudan.clustercargo@wfp.org.

Convoys

• The LTC continues to support the coordination of convoy movements to priority locations through the Ad Dabbah and Kosti hubs, led by WFP and other partners, on a rolling basis. Partners were encouraged to express interest in advance and preposition cargo at common storage hubs in Kosti and Ad Dabbah to facilitate timely movements.
• Updated Convoy Guidelines have been published and are available in both English and Arabic.
• For any questions related to convoy coordination, contact sudan.clustercargo@wfp.org.

Physical Access Constraints

• Partners were reminded of the importance of reporting physical access constraints through LogIE, email, or WhatsApp, particularly during the rainy season, when conditions may change rapidly.
• Partners can familiarize themselves with the LogIE tool using the recording of the most recent orientation session available here.
• In West Darfur, the Ardamata bridge is reportedly passable for trucks. In South Kordofan, flood-related damage to a concrete ford south of Abu Jubayhah was reported, affecting access to locations beyond Abu Jubayhah. The LTC continues to monitor and verify physical access information. Partners were encouraged to continue sharing updates as conditions evolve.

Operational Updates | Telecommunications

• The LTC provided an update on telecommunications services in Sudan. Connectivity services remain available in several locations, including through the IOM facility in Khartoum. Expansion of services to additional locations, including Darfur, continues to face challenges related to regulatory requirements.
• A transition towards an on-demand service modality is ongoing in eastern Sudan. Following implementation in Atbara, additional locations are expected to transition under this approach.
• The LTC continues to provide Services for Communities (S4C), including a new project launched in Buri, Khartoum, where a solarized community centre run by Go Green will provide internet connectivity and power to charge devices.
• The LTC highlighted ongoing engagement with authorities regarding satellite communication solutions and noted the regulatory constraints that continue to affect the use of certain technologies.
• Partners were advised to ensure Starlink equipment registration and subscription arrangements are aligned with service requirements. The LTC’s engagement with the Starlink service provider has provided additional time for organizations to review and update existing subscriptions.
• There are alternative connectivity solutions available through authorized providers. Partners interested in exploring these options were encouraged to contact the LTC Telecoms team.
• For more information, visit the LTC Telecoms website and contact sudan.etc@wfp.org.

Tech to the Rescue x HELP Logistics

• Tech to the Rescue provided an overview of the upcoming AI Impact Lab: Humanitarian Supply Chain programme, delivered in partnership with HELP Logistics. The initiative aims to support humanitarian organizations in identifying operational challenges that may be addressed through AI solutions.
• The 10-week online programme provides participating organizations with access to expert support, mentorship, and practical training to develop AI-enabled prototypes and use cases relevant to humanitarian supply chain operations.
• Potential use cases highlighted during the presentation included demand forecasting, route and access analysis, inventory and warehouse management, document automation, and needs assessment consolidation.
• Eligible organizations must demonstrate existing humanitarian supply chain or logistics activities, have a clearly defined operational challenge, relevant data, and a team available to participate throughout the programme. Internet connectivity and a laptop are required. While the training targets local and national organizations, it was clarified that local chapters of international organizations could apply.
• Partners interested in participating can apply using the link above and reach out to Tech to the Rescue at angelika.nocon@techtotherescue.org with any questions. The deadline for applications was extended to Monday, 27 July.

Any Other Business (AOB)

• No additional operational issues were raised by partners.

The next Sudan Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster (LTC) Coordination Meeting will take place on Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 2pm Sudan time / 1pm Chad time at the WFP Port Sudan Office and online.

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