WFP staff killed in Sudan airstrike, UN demands investigation

December 20, 2024 (ROME/NEW YORK) – Three staff members of the World Food Programme (WFP) were killed in an airstrike on their field office in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, the agency said on Thursday, prompting outrage from the United Nations and calls for an immediate investigation.

The WFP compound in Yabus was hit by aerial bombardment on the evening of Dec. 19, killing the head of the field office, a programme associate, and a security guard, according to WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. One staff member died immediately, while the other two succumbed to their injuries while being transferred for treatment.

“I am shocked and heartbroken by the tragic deaths,” McCain said in a statement. “Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unconscionable. Humanitarians are not, and must never be, a target. Yet a record number have lost their lives in 2024.”

McCain confirmed that all other WFP staff in Sudan were safe and accounted for and reiterated the agency’s commitment to delivering aid across the country. “WFP remains committed to delivering humanitarian assistance across Sudan, including Blue Nile State… This is what our fallen colleagues would have wanted,” she said.

The Yabus area is under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, which did not sign the peace agreement.

Sudanese government condemns

The Sudanese Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident, expressing “heartfelt condolences” to the families of the victims and strongly condemning the attack.

The statement released by the Ministry emphasized Sudan’s “rejection and condemnation of any targeting of United Nations agencies and all humanitarian workers.” It further noted that Sudanese armed forces were not conducting any military operations in the area at the time of the bombing.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine who is responsible for the attack. The Foreign Ministry assured the international community that Sudan remains committed to upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring the safety and protection of all aid workers operating within its borders.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres also condemned the attack, calling it an “outrage” and demanding a thorough investigation.

“The Secretary-General is outraged by the killing of three World Food Programme staff members in Sudan… when the agency’s field office in Yabus… was hit by aerial bombardment,” his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement. “He sends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and their WFP colleagues.”

Dujarric highlighted that 2024 had been the deadliest year on record for aid workers in Sudan, underscoring the severe risks faced by those providing humanitarian assistance in the conflict-ridden country.

“Yesterday’s incident underscores the devastating toll that Sudan’s brutal conflict is having on millions of people in need and the humanitarians trying to reach them with life-saving assistance,” he said.

Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, where fighting has raged for over 20 months. He urged all parties to adhere to their obligations to protect civilians, including aid personnel, humanitarian premises, and supplies.

“Attacks must not be directed against them, and all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid harming them,” Dujarric said. “The United Nations will continue to back international mediation efforts and work with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war.”