In a troubling development amidst the ongoing civil war in Sudan, the Sudanese army has denied responsibility for an airstrike that targeted a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy delivering aid to a famine-stricken area in the Darfur region. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the town of Mellit, which is currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Details of the Attack
The WFP reported that three lorries from the 16-vehicle convoy were damaged and caught fire during the attack. Fortunately, all staff members traveling in the convoy were unharmed. The WFP has not provided extensive details about the incident but emphasized the critical importance of protecting humanitarian operations in conflict zones.
The RSF has accused the army of conducting the airstrike, further escalating tensions between the two factions engaged in a brutal power struggle that has plunged Sudan into civil war since April 2023. This conflict has created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with millions of people affected.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The ongoing civil war has led to widespread devastation, with tens of thousands of people reported dead and approximately 12 million displaced from their homes. The situation is particularly dire in Darfur, where the RSF has intensified its efforts to gain control over key areas, including el-Fasher, the last stronghold of the army in the region. The city has been besieged by the RSF for over a year, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The WFP has been actively working to deliver aid to famine-affected areas, but both the army and the RSF have been accused of obstructing aid deliveries and using starvation as a weapon of war. In a similar attack in el-Fasher in June, five aid workers lost their lives, highlighting the dangers faced by humanitarian staff in the region.
International Response and Humanitarian Law
In response to the attack on the WFP convoy, the organization reiterated that "humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target." The WFP called on both warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, emphasizing the need for safe and unimpeded access to aid for those in desperate need.
The convoy was en route to a village near Mellit, approximately 90 km (56 miles) northwest of el-Fasher, when the attack occurred. The WFP is currently "urgently gathering additional information" and assessing the impact of the incident on their operations.
The Broader Impact of the Conflict
The civil war in Sudan has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with more than 4.5 million refugees, predominantly women and children, fleeing to neighboring countries. The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and its impact on civilians, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected by the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, the need for humanitarian assistance remains critical. The WFP and other organizations are striving to provide support to those in need, but the ongoing violence poses significant challenges to their efforts.
Conclusion: A Call for Peace and Protection
The attack on the WFP convoy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing civil war in Sudan. As the international community watches closely, it is imperative that all parties involved in the conflict adhere to humanitarian principles and work towards a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all individuals affected by this crisis.
