KUWAIT: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the targeting of World Food Program (WFP) trucks in Sudan, describing the incident as a flagrant violation of international law, humanitarian principles, and relief efforts. In a statement, the ministry denounced such criminal acts and renewed Kuwait’s call for full adherence to the Jeddah Declaration of May 11, 2023, particularly provisions related to the protection of civilians and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. It also reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for regional and international efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in Sudan, preserving its territorial integrity, and ensuring the safety of its people.
According to the WFP, an aid convoy was attacked near Mellit in North Darfur, an area severely affected by famine. Three of the 16 trucks carrying food supplies to Alsayah village were damaged and caught fire, though all convoy personnel were reported safe. “Humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target,” said WFP spokesperson Gift Watanasathorn, urging respect for international humanitarian law.
The assault occurred in territory controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in conflict with Sudan’s army since April 2023. The RSF accused the army of carrying out an aerial strike on the convoy, while the army offered no immediate comment. Mellit has been under RSF control since April 2024, while El-Fasher, the last major army stronghold in Darfur, has faced a year-long siege.
The incident underscored the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where both sides have been accused of obstructing and looting aid. In June, five aid workers were killed in an attack on a joint WFP-UNICEF convoy bound for El-Fasher. On Wednesday, the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the African Union, and the United Nations issued a joint statement expressing alarm over the “continuous deterioration” of the humanitarian situation in Sudan, citing famine, severe malnutrition, and restrictions on aid access. They urged urgent pauses in fighting to allow relief to reach civilians. — Agencies
