UAE strongly condemns the attack on WFP Humanitarian Aid Convoy in Sudan
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the attack on a humanitarian aid convoy near the town of Mellit in North Darfur state, Sudan, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the International Humanitarian Law. The (UAE) emphasized the importance of protecting the safety and security of civilians as well as humanitarian and relief workers, according to the Emirates News Agency.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need for the warring parties in Sudan to adhere to the provisions of the Jeddah Declaration to ensure the protection of civilians and secure humanitarian as well as relief aid corridors. The Ministry went on to emphasize the necessity of prioritizing the interests of the Sudanese people, and protect them from the repercussions of the ongoing war.
The UAE reiterated its steadfast position, calling for an immediate ceasefire, facilitating unhindered access for urgent humanitarian aid, and working to support regional as well as international efforts aimed at ending the ongoing civil war and achieving the aspirations of the brotherly Sudanese people for peace and stability.
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.
