UN calls for probe into WFP convoy attack in Darfur
Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The United Nations on Thursday called for a probe into the attack on a relief convoy in Darfur that resulted in the destruction of parts of vehicles carrying relief items to thousands of needy persons in the North Darfur area.
“We call for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and parties found responsible to be held to account,” said the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Luca Renda
Renda said in a statement, which is the first UN official reaction since the lorries carrying relief were knocked down, that on 20 August, a WFP convoy of 16 trucks carrying life-saving food assistance for vulnerable families came under a drone attack in Mellit locality, North Darfur, destroying three trucks that caught fire, adding, however, that the truck drivers were safe and accounted for.
The statement explained that the convoy had arrived in Mellit on 16 August from WFP’s logistics base in Tina, Chad, to deliver aid in Mellit and surrounding destinations. The attack occurred while the trucks were being offloaded into a cooperating partner’s warehouse.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this attack on aid workers, humanitarian aid and assets,” he said, adding that this latest incident adds to many unacceptable attacks in recent months taking lifesaving food assistance away from those that need it most.
The UN statement has stressed that unimpeded access to reach the most vulnerable families in Darfur and across Sudan was critical, adding that. humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target.
-0-PANA MO/RA 21Aug2025
