Qatar condemns SAF’s targeting of WFP Humanitarian Aid trucks in Darfur

 The State of Qatar condemned the Sudanese Armed Forces’ targeting of World Food Programme (WFP) trucks in the town of Mellit, North Darfur state.

Furthermore, Doha called for concerted regional and international efforts to end the war through peaceful means. It also reiterated Qatar’s full support for the unity, Sovereignty, as well as stability of Sudan, and its support for the brotherly Sudanese people in achieving their aspirations for peace.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed in a statement on Friday the urgent need to protect humanitarian workers and ensure the sustainable delivery of aid to address the humanitarian situation in North Darfur.

On Wednesday, a humanitarian convoy supplied by the World Food Programme was attacked by a Sudanese military drone near the town of Mellit, which is suffering from a food crisis in North Darfur.

The spokesperson for the UN agency, (WFP), Gift Watanasathorn stated that three of the 16 trucks in a convoy carrying life-saving food assistance for vulnerable communities caught fire and were damaged, confirming that all members of the convoy were “safe and accounted for”.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) confirmed that a SAF drone targeted the humanitarian aid convoy in North Darfur, noting that a similar attack on a (WFP) humanitarian aid convoy took place on a prior date, and the convoy was targeted by a Sudanese Army drone in the town of (Al-Koma), North Darfur state.

The Rapid Support Forces added that the Sudanese Army aircraft targeted the (WFP) convoy, which consisted of (16 trucks), resulting in the destruction of two trucks whilst the latter were within the premises of the Mellit Customs Authority. They emphasized that the bombing also targeted the market of Mellit as well as the Customs checkpoint, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries.

According to Aid Organizations, access to aid has become extremely difficult due to restrictions, frequent attacks targeting convoys and warehouses, disrupted supply lines, and a lack of security guarantees.

The United Nations and its agencies warn that millions are at risk, particularly in Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan, as they face the looming threat of famine, while humanitarian efforts remain limited due to the ongoing conflict and the lack of safe and stable corridors for delivering aid.