from RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
Sudan Bureau
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – THE humanitarian community in Sudan is reeling from the killing of five aid workers during an attack late Monday by militants in Sudan.
Several other individuals were killed as the assailants stormed a joint humanitarian convoy near Al Koma, North Darfur.
Several trucks were set on fire, and essential humanitarian supplies were damaged.
The convoy, consisting of 15 trucks, was attempting to reach famine-stricken children and families in El Fasher with vital food and nutritional supplies.
The convoy had traveled more than 1,800 km from Port Sudan and was negotiating access to complete the journey to El Fasher when it was attacked.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP) condemned the attack.
Both agencies demanded an immediate cessation of attacks against humanitarian personnel, their facilities, and vehicles, which constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.
“We call for an urgent investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable,” they jointly stated.
They extended condolences to the families of those killed and support to all injured.
The latest incident follows a series of attacks on humanitarian operations over the past two years, including last week’s bombing of the WFP facility in El Fasher, which damaged a workshop, an office building and a clinic.
UNICEF and WFP aid remain on the ground despite the insecurity, but demand safe working conditions and respect for international humanitarian law by all parties.
“The lives of millions of people in Sudan depend on it, including those in places like El Fasher in Darfur,” the agencies jointly stated.
– CAJ News