WFP Temporarily Suspends Aid

moatinoon

In a major setback for humanitarian efforts in the country, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced in a statement on Wednesday the temporary suspension of food aid in some parts of the Jazeera state.

The WFP regularly provided assistance to over 800,000 people, including many who fled the fighting in Khartoum.

Karim Abdel-Moneim, the Emergency Coordinator for WFP in Jazeera state, expressed deep concern, saying, "We are extremely concerned about those who have already experienced atrocities in Khartoum and now find themselves trapped in Wad Madani with no way out."

Eddie Rowe, the WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan, stated, "This has forced the World Food Programme to suspend food delivery operations in some locations in Jazeera state at a time when people urgently need our assistance."

Approximately 300,000 people fled Jazeera state within days since the outbreak of clashes on Friday.

Rowe added, "The ongoing fighting makes it extremely difficult for humanitarian agencies to provide assistance safely, especially with the increasing number of people moving and fleeing to preserve their lives."

He explained, "The shelter has now become a battlefield in a war that has already caused severe losses among civilians." He renewed the call for the warring parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, saying, "We urge all parties to adhere to their commitments under international humanitarian law for the innocent civilians who are in dire need of support."

Rowe stated, "We are committed to supporting the people of Sudan in their time of utmost need," before emphasizing, "But the safety of our staff and partners must be ensured."

He added, "The safety of humanitarian workers, supplies, and facilities is of paramount importance and must be ensured regardless of the circumstances."

Rowe clarified that they are still operating in other areas, saying, "Our teams are working around the clock to deliver food aid in locations where it is still possible and to resume planned assistance in other areas when it is safe."

The international organization warned of the expansion of the conflict and the risk to wheat production plans in Jazeera.

The organization stated, "If the conflict spreads to the grain-producing region in Sudan, it will have dire consequences for agricultural production and food availability in the coming months. Hunger has already reached record levels according to recent food security assessments conducted by the International Food Security Classification. The agencys plans to enhance wheat production in Jazeera, supported by the African Development Bank, may also be at risk."

Rowe emphasized that "Sudans breadbasket should remain an area for agriculture, not fighting," warning, "Otherwise, we may witness a more catastrophic famine crisis with the start of the lean season in May 2024."