UNITED NATIONS — A drone assault on a 16-truck U.N. convoy carrying desperately wanted meals to Sudan’s famine-hit North Darfur area destroyed three autos that had caught fireplace, the World Meals Program mentioned. All drivers and personnel have been secure.
“Our drivers survived, however 3 vans carrying life-saving support have been DESTROYED. Assaults should cease. Protected, sustained entry have to be assured,” mentioned Cindy McCain, chief of the U.N. meals company, mentioned in a submit on X.
U.N. affiliate spokesperson Daniela Gross had initially instructed reporters Thursday that every one 16 vans have been set on fireplace and destroyed.
Gross mentioned it was not but clear who was duty for Wednesday’s assault, the second previously three months to forestall a U.N. convoy from delivering to North Dafur. In early June, a convoy from the World Meals Program and UNICEF was attacked whereas awaiting clearance to proceed to North Darfur’s besieged capital, el-Fasher, killing 5 individuals and injuring a number of others.
Sudan plunged into battle in April 2023, when violence sparked by long-simmering tensions between its army and paramilitary leaders erupted within the capital, Khartoum, and unfold to different areas, together with western Darfur. Some 40,000 individuals have been killed and practically 13 million displaced, U.N. companies say. Practically 25 million individuals are experiencing acute starvation, Gross mentioned.
The paramilitary Speedy Assist Forces and their allies introduced in late June that they’d shaped a parallel authorities in areas they management, primarily within the huge Darfur area the place allegations of conflict crimes and crimes in opposition to humanity are being investigated.
The RSF has encircled el-Fasher, the place the U.N. says individuals are dealing with hunger. It’s the solely capital the paramilitary forces do not maintain in Darfur, which is comprised of 5 states.
Over a yr in the past, famine was declared within the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur. The chance of famine has since unfold to 17 areas in Darfur and the Kordofan area, which is adjoining to North Darfur and west of Khartoum, the U.N. says.
