World Food Programme forced to halt some food aid in Sudan
The ongoing fighting has made it extremely challenging for humanitarian agencies to safely deliver assistance.
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Wednesday that it has temporarily suspended assistance in some parts of Al Jazirah State in Sudan as conflict has spread south and east of the capital, Khartoum.
WFP described the decision taken on safety grounds as a major setback to humanitarian efforts in the country’s breadbasket, where staff had been regularly providing aid to over 800,000 people, including many who had escaped the fighting in Khartoum.
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The ongoing fighting has made it extremely challenging for humanitarian agencies to safely deliver assistance, especially with more and more people on the move, fleeing for their lives, the UN agency said.
From refuge to battleground
“A place of refuge has now become a battleground in a war that has already taken a horrific toll on civilians,” said Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan, where the national army and a rival military group known as the Rapid Support Forces have been locked in brutal conflict since April.
Earlier this week, humanitarians reported that all fieldwork within Al Jazirah State had been put on hold until further notice due to the security situation.
“We are committed to supporting the people of Sudan in their hour of greatest need, but the safety of our staff and partners must be guaranteed,” said Mr. Rowe.
He added that teams are working around the clock to provide food aid in locations where it is still possible and resume planned assistance in other areas when conditions allow.
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