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UN: Five humanitarian workers killed in attack on convoy in North Darfur
Summary
A joint WFP–UNICEF convoy was attacked near Alkoma, North Darfur; five Sudanese aid workers were killed, multiple trucks destroyed and critically needed supplies damaged. The United Nations called for an urgent investigation and for respect for international humanitarian law.
The United Nations said five humanitarian workers were killed and several others wounded when a World Food Programme (WFP)–UNICEF convoy was attacked near Alkoma in North Darfur last night.
UN spokesperson Steph said the convoy — 15 trucks carrying nutrition supplies and food — had traveled more than 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan and was negotiating access to reach El Fasher when it was struck. “All attacks on humanitarian personnel on their facilities and vehicles must stop,” Steph said, calling for an urgent investigation and for perpetrators to be held to account.
The convoy, which the spokesperson said was the first UN humanitarian convoy expected to reach El Fasher in over a year, had reportedly shared its route in advance with parties on the ground. Multiple trucks were burned in the attack, and critical supplies were damaged, preventing them from reaching civilians in famine-affected areas.
During a follow-up question, Steph confirmed the five people killed were Sudanese contractors working for WFP and UNICEF. She estimated the convoy likely included “more than 30” people when accounting for drivers, assistants and support vehicles, but said she did not have an exact personnel count.
The spokesperson said the convoy was about 80 kilometers from El Fasher at the time of the attack after days of travel through “incredibly difficult terrain.” Steph reiterated that attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities are violations of international humanitarian law and said the UN expects parties to allow and facilitate rapid, unimpeded passage of relief for civilians in need.
The UN extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded. No specific perpetrators were identified by the UN spokesperson at the briefing; Steph said investigations were needed to establish responsibility.
