WFP chief suspends Sudan aid operations, following the death of three workers in the conflict
According to a statement to the Executive Director of the UN organization, Cindy McCain, the workers are carrying out life-saving operations in Kabkabiya, North Darfur.
In a separate incident on Saturday, a UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) plane managed by WFP was seriously damaged at Khartoum International Airport during an exchange of gunfire, seriously affecting WFP’s ability to transport humanitarian workers and help within the country.
In the statement, Ms. McCain explained that all operations in Sudan have been suspended, pending a review of the evolving security situation.
Mrs. McCain said: “WFP is committed to helping Sudanese people who are facing severe food insecurity, but we cannot do our humanitarian work if the safety and security of our teams and partners is not guaranteed. All parties must come to an agreement that ensures the safety of humanitarian workers on the ground and enables the continued delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people. They are our first priority. “
Any loss of life in humanitarian work is unacceptable and I demand immediate steps to guarantee the safety of those involved.
Mrs. McCain stressed that threats to WFP teams make it impossible for them to work safely and effectively in the country and carry out the important work of the UN organization.
‘Justice without delay’: UN Secretary General
In response to the crisis on Sunday, UN Secretary General António Guterres called for those responsible to be brought to justice without delay.
In a statement addressed to Mr. Guterres, he expressed deep concern about the continuing conflicts, and reminded the warring parties of the need to respect international law, including the obligation to ensure the safety and security of all the United Nations and related workers, their premises. , and their properties.
The Secretary General reiterated his call for an immediate halt to the conflict and for a return to dialogue, and stressed that he continues to engage with regional leaders and with Sudanese professionals to find a way out of this crisis.
Aid workers ‘not targets’, looting of UN premises must stop
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan and Head of the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAMS) Mr. Volker Perthes strongly condemned the attacks on Sunday, and stressed that civilians and humanitarian workers “are not targets .”
Mr. Perthes referred to reports of projects attacking UN and other humanitarian areas, and of looting in these areas, in several areas in Darfur.
The head of UNITAMS said these acts of violence are disrupting the delivery of life-saving aid, and it must end. “When such incidents happen, women, men, and children who are in desperate need of help suffer the most.”
Mr. Perthes announced on Sunday that he has convinced the two warring parties to the current conflict to stop fighting briefly, on humanitarian grounds, between 4 and 7 PM, local time.
Security Council members called for calm
Members of the Security Council added their voice to calls for an end to the fighting on Sunday, in a statement expressing their regret for the loss of lives and injuries.
In the statement, they urged the parties to remain silent, and return to dialogue to resolve the current crisis in Sudan.
They continued to emphasize the importance of humanitarian access being maintained and the protection of UN staff is ensured, and reaffirmed “their strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Sudan.”
