By Matik Kueth
At least five humanitarian workers were reportedly killed and several others injured in a brutal attack on a humanitarian convoy delivering emergency supplies to famine-stricken North Darfur, Sudan.
The convoy, jointly organized by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), had travelled more than 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan to bring critical nutritional aid to the besieged region.
In a joint statement, the UN agencies condemned the assault, emphasizing that international humanitarian law mandates safe and unimpeded passage for aid efforts.
“Humanitarian relief must be protected. Civilians in need cannot be abandoned due to violence,” the agencies stated.
According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the convoy was attacked while stationary about 80 kilometers from El Fasher, awaiting final clearance.
This mission was poised to be the first successful delivery to the city in over a year, a place where hundreds of thousands, many already displaced, face the escalating threat of famine.
All victims of the attack were Sudanese nationals contracted by WFP and UNICEF. The agencies confirmed that all armed groups had been notified in advance of the convoy’s route and intentions.
The ambush is the latest in a troubling series of attacks on humanitarian workers and infrastructure. Just last week, WFP facilities in El Fasher were bombed, and an international hospital in Al Obeid was struck by a deadly drone attack.
In Khartoum, assaults on electricity systems have exacerbated a growing cholera outbreak.
Sudan’s civil conflict, now entering its third year, has displaced over nine million people and devastated essential services.
With famine officially declared in parts of the country and conditions rapidly deteriorating elsewhere, humanitarian organizations are calling for immediate protection of aid missions and accountability for attacks.