WFP and UNICEF condemn attack on humanitarian convoy in North Darfur

June 3, 2025 (PEN) The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) condemned the violent attack on a joint humanitarian convoy near Al-Kuma, North Darfur, last night, which killed five convoy members and injured several others, while several trucks were burned and vital humanitarian supplies were damaged.

The two agencies explained that the convoy, consisting of 15 trucks, was on its way to El Fasher carrying life-saving food and nutrition supplies for children and families affected by famine, following months of escalating violence that has left hundreds of thousands of people—especially children—at risk of malnutrition and famine.

The United Nations noted that the convoy's route had been shared in advance, and that all parties on the ground were aware of the trucks' location. It emphasized that international humanitarian law requires the protection of humanitarian convoys and their unimpeded passage.

UNICEF and the World Food Programme called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting humanitarian workers, their facilities, and vehicles, stressing the need for an urgent investigation and holding those responsible accountable.

The two agencies offered their condolences to the families of those killed and expressed their deepest sympathy and support for the injured. They noted that the convoy had traveled more than 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan and was in the final stages of negotiating its journey to El Fasher when it was targeted.

The statement stressed that repeated attacks on humanitarian workers, aid and humanitarian operations, and civilian infrastructure in Sudan have remained unaccounted for.