Humanitarian Leaders Gather in Port Sudan for Regional Red Cross Assembly

Port Sudan /
The General Assembly meeting of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Network for East Africa and the Indian Ocean commenced today in Port Sudan, Red Sea State, and will continue from 14 to 16 July. The meeting brings together representatives of several national societies from the region with the aim of strengthening humanitarian coordination and exchanging expertise and experiences.

The opening session was attended by the representative of the Prime Minister and Federal Minister of Health, Dr. Haitham Mohamed Ibrahim, under the patronage of the Governor of Red Sea State, Lt. Gen. Mustafa Mohamed Nour.

In his address, the Minister of Health conveyed the greetings of the Prime Minister to the participants, affirming the Government of Hope’s commitment to supporting the health sector and humanitarian work, as well as implementing the outcomes of the meeting.

He congratulated the Sudanese Red Crescent Society on hosting this regional event, praising its long-standing national and humanitarian role, particularly in responding to emergencies, disasters, conflicts, floods, and other crises, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities across Sudan’s states.

For his part, the Governor of Red Sea State, Lt. Gen. Mustafa Mohamed Nour, expressed his appreciation to the Sudanese Red Crescent Society for selecting Port Sudan to host the meeting, noting that this reflects regional and international confidence in Sudan and highlights its significant role within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Governor emphasized that the Sudanese Red Crescent Society represents a strategic partner for the state government, contributing through its humanitarian interventions and extensive volunteer network to strengthening emergency and disaster response efforts and reaching the most vulnerable groups, in coordination with government and health authorities.

He further stressed that holding the General Assembly meeting in Sudan carries important humanitarian significance, particularly as it demonstrates solidarity with the country amid the exceptional circumstances it is facing. He added that the gathering provides an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and develop mechanisms for responding to conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, and the impacts of climate change.
The Governor expressed confidence that the General Assembly’s deliberations would result in recommendations that enhance national capacities, support joint humanitarian efforts, and reinforce the humanitarian principles underpinning the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He also reiterated his welcome to all participants and wished the meeting success.