OLSO – Norway has condemned a drone attack on World Food Programme (WFP) convoy in Sudan’s North Darfur which destroyed three trucks carrying lifesaving assistance, on Wednesday, August 20.
Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust said the convoy was heading to Mellit town with lifesaving assistance to starving people.
The attack occurred while the 16-truck convoy was being offloaded at a warehouse in the town of Al Melit, according to the humanitarian coordinator for Sudan.
The drivers were reported safe and accounted for, while the trucks caught fire after the attack.
In a joint statement, the Norwegian diplomats said the people in North Darfur have suffered unspeakable violence and misery.
“Attacking brave humanitarian personnel who take great risks to help those in dire need is utterly unacceptable. The famine in North Darfur is man-made. Humanitarian organizations stand ready to help but are blocked from doing their work. This must stop,” it noted.
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) trade accusations over the attack, which is a violation of international humanitarian law.
Oslo underscored shocking reports from El Fasher city, which is besieged by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), adding civilians trapped in the city are in a desperate situation.
“At least 60 people have died of starvation within a week in El Fasher, at least 40 civilians were killed in the nearby Abu Shouk IDP camp and at least 40 people have died from cholera the last week in the Darfur region alone, the statement said.
It adds that the number of hunger victims is likely higher and the true figure could not be determined due to ongoing fighting, limited presence by international aid workers and journalists, combined with restrictions on internet and telecommunication limits the information coming out of Darfur.
Norway urges the paramilitary RSF to immediately implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2736 and lift the siege on El Fasher and refrain from attacking civilians.
It further called on all armed parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access.
WFP chief Cindy Mcain called on Sudan’s warring parties to end attack on humanitarian workers and guarantee safe access.
