Türkiye sends 2nd humanitarian aid shipment to Sudan
Türkiye's humanitarian aid shipment to Sudan. (via X)
A ship carrying a 2,955-tonne aid shipment to Sudan has departed from Mersin International Port. Led by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the relief operation includes essential materials such as food, hygiene items, shelter supplies, generators, and a mobile bakery.
In a coordinated effort between AFAD, the Mersin Governorate, the Turkish Red Crescent, and 12 nongovernmental organizations, the aid mission aims to provide support to Sudan amid ongoing internal conflicts and natural disasters in the region.
This shipment marks the second aid shipment to Sudan following the initial one sent on July 19, which carried 2,500 tonnes of supplies.
‘We are continuing to stand by Sudan in its time of need’
AFAD vice-president Hamza Tasdelen emphasized the significance of Türkiye’s efforts to assist Sudan, which continues to face internal conflict, drought, and excessive rainfall.
“Today we have gathered here to send almost 3,000 tonnes of aid, including 18,500 tents, over 17,000 blankets, and 1,000 tonnes of flour. We are continuing to stand by Sudan in its time of need,” said Tasdelen at the ceremony.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya also posted a social media post regarding the aid shipment to Sudan and said, “Sudan has been going through difficult times for over a year due to internal conflict, floods and epidemics. Millions of people and children are facing famine and catastrophic hunger.”
Our country, which does not spare a helping hand to oppressed and needy countries, sent its 2nd Ship of Kindness to Sudan today. Prepared under the coordination of AFAD and with the support of our Turkish Red Crescent and national nongovernmental organizations, approximately 3,000 tons of food, hygiene and shelter materials departed from Mersin Port to Sudan.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya
Türkiye’s support for conflict, disaster-affected regions
Tasdelen highlighted the ongoing difficulties in Sudan.
He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting global humanitarian needs, stating, “Our country continues to stand by all of humanity, regardless of religion, language, or race, across the world.”
Türkiye’s ongoing humanitarian relief to Gaza
In addition to the aid for Sudan, Tasdelen provided updates on Türkiye’s continuing humanitarian efforts for Gaza. He mentioned that Türkiye has sent 14 aid ships this year, including 12 ships to Egypt for delivery to Gaza.
Tasdelen emphasized the scale of support for Gaza, revealing that Türkiye has sent a total of 75,000 tonnes of aid this year alone. He also outlined a plan to deliver 30,000 tonnes of flour to Gaza across nine shipments.
“As of September 13, we have completed our fifth shipment. We will make four more shipments every 10 days, delivering 30,000 tonnes of flour to our brothers in Gaza,” he said.
“We have supplies waiting there as well. As soon as we overcome the problems at the crossing, we will deliver the supplies that are waiting on trucks to Gaza through the Rafah crossing,” he added.
