( 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 .
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 .