The United Nations has said that five aid workers were killed and several others injured following a deadly attack on a joint humanitarian convoy in North Darfur, Sudan.
The convoy, comprising personnel from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), was ambushed near Al Koma while en route to El Fasher with life-saving supplies.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, WFP and UNICEF condemned the attack, which they described as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
According to the agencies, the 15-truck convoy had been carrying vital food and nutritional assistance for children and families in famine-stricken El Fasher—a region where hundreds of thousands are at risk of malnutrition and starvation.
“This is a devastating attack not just on humanitarian workers but on the vulnerable people of Sudan, who desperately depend on this aid to survive,” the agencies said.
“Five lives were lost, several more injured, and vital supplies destroyed. We mourn those we’ve lost and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families,” they added.
The convoy had travelled more than 1,800 kilometres from Port Sudan, with its route pre-shared and cleared in accordance with standard protocol. Despite this, the convoy was attacked, with multiple trucks burnt and humanitarian supplies destroyed before reaching their destination.
The incident shows the huge humanitarian crisis unfolding since Sudan’s brutal civil war began. The conflict, which started in April 2023, is between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The fighting has devastated major urban centres and spread into remote regions like Darfur, displacing millions and pushing communities to the brink of famine.
El Fasher in North Darfur has become a focal point in recent weeks as clashes intensify between the warring factions. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, with access to food, water, and medical care becoming increasingly limited.
The UN has warned of a looming famine if humanitarian access is not urgently restored.
The UN agencies stressed that under international humanitarian law, aid workers and convoys must be protected, and all parties are obligated to allow for the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief.
“This attack is not an isolated incident; it comes just days after WFP’s premises in El Fasher were bombarded, causing damage to a workshop, office building, and clinic. These attacks on humanitarian personnel and infrastructure are unacceptable and must end,” they added.
WFP and UNICEF, therefore, called for an urgent investigation into the attack and for those responsible to be held accountable. They also reiterated the need for safe and secure conditions for humanitarian operations in Sudan, warning that continued violence could jeopardise the lives of millions.
Despite the growing insecurity, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to remain on the ground and continue delivering aid where possible.
However, they warned that without respect for international humanitarian law and protection of humanitarian missions, ongoing efforts to address Sudan’s deepening crisis will be severely undermined.
“The world cannot turn away as attacks on humanitarian workers continue with impunity. The lives of millions—including children and families in places like El Fasher—depend on the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance,” the agencies concluded.
