WFP aid reaches Darfur camp despite looting, logistical hurdles

November 27, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – A World Food Programme (WFP) convoy carrying aid to a famine-stricken camp in Sudan’s North Darfur region has arrived safely despite challenges including looting and difficult terrain, a senior WFP official confirmed to Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.

The convoy, which left Port Sudan on November 12 for Zamzam camp, reached the town of Al-Dibab with all trucks intact, the official said. Eight trucks carrying 180 metric tons of aid are now en route to Zamzam.

“The rest of the trucks were unable to pass due to road conditions, such as sand dunes,” the official said. “The World Food Program will redirect the trucks that were unable to pass to wherever it is appropriate.”

The official, who declined to be named, denied reports that armed groups had seized any of the trucks.

The delivery comes amid reports of widespread looting of aid convoys in Sudan, where fighting between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has raged since April.

On Tuesday, Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) accused the RSF of looting a separate WFP convoy in the Armel area on the border between West and North Kordofan states. The convoy was carrying 7,000 tons of aid from Port Sudan to North Darfur, the HAC said.

Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned the alleged looting and called on the United Nations and other aid organizations to take action to prevent further incidents.

Zamzam camp is also receiving aid sent through the Adre crossing in Chad, the WFP official said.