ROME: The United Nations’ food agency has suspended its work in Sudan after three of its staff were killed in the tense Darfur region.
The World Food Programme (WFP) employees were attacked on Saturday, 15 April, while carrying out their duties on the front lines of the international hunger crisis.
As fighting between the army and paramilitaries rages, WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain expressed her shock and grief at the tragedy.
In a statement, McCain said, “While we review the evolving security situation in Sudan, we are forced to temporarily stop all operations in Sudan.
WFP is committed to assisting the people of Sudan facing dire food insecurity, but we cannot do our life-saving work if the safety and security of our partners and teams are not guaranteed.
All parties must ensure the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground and enable them to continue delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan. They remain our top priority.”
Fighting in Sudan has been ongoing since a coup in 2021, and rival generals have been battling for control for two days.
Deeply concerning situation in Sudan
The Central Committee of Sudan Doctors has reported at least 56 civilian deaths, including the three WFP staff members, and “tens of deaths” among security forces.
The situation is deeply concerning for the people of Sudan, who have been grappling with food insecurity for some time.
The WFP has been providing aid to the country, but the suspension of operations is a significant blow to those in need.
It is now up to all parties involved to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground and to allow aid organizations to continue their life-saving work.
