The Red Cross has been ordered to halt its operations in Sudan.

Story highlights

The Red Cross was active in the restive Darfur region

The government says the suspension is for technical reasons

In the past, Khartoum has expelled aid agencies from the region

Rebels in Darfur and forces loyal to the government have a history of tension

CNN  — 

Sudanese authorities ordered the Red Cross to halt its activities in the nation starting Saturday, citing technical reasons, the aid agency said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says it has worked in Sudan for 36 years.

“We help people affected by the conflict in Darfur, provide seed, tools, food and water, and re-establish contact between people separated by the fighting,” it says on its website. “The ICRC also promotes international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians affected by the conflict.”

The government in Khartoum has in the past expelled aid agencies working in the Darfur region, where rebel groups and forces loyal to President Omar al-Bashir have fought.

In April, a splinter group from the largest rebel group in Darfur signed a peace agreement with Khartoum.

Sudan has seen raucous protests in recent months, some met with violent force by government security forces.

Read: Fast facts on Sudan.