Amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the hunger crisis stands out as one of the most significant challenges facing the Sudanese people. With over 25 million people suffering from hunger, the country faces a humanitarian catastrophe. In the midst of this crisis, new allegations have emerged, pointing to the involvement of the Sudanese army in obstructing humanitarian aid, along with the dubious role of senior World Food Programme (WFP) officials in covering up these actions.
Reliable reports indicate that the Sudanese army has played a crucial role in preventing aid from reaching areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Throughout the 16-month conflict, the armed forces have been a barrier to aid convoys, exacerbating the suffering of people in affected areas. This comes at a time when the country needs all possible support to alleviate the humanitarian crisis.
It is not just the army that is accused of obstructing aid; senior WFP officials are also implicated. The WFP's Deputy Director in Sudan, Khaled Othman, is accused of withholding vital information from donors, including the army's refusal to allow aid trucks to reach distressed areas. This cover-up directly impacted the program's ability to meet the needs of the population.
Khaled Othman, leveraging his extensive connections within the army, played a significant role in influencing the approval of visas for WFP staff. These connections helped limit scrutiny of the army's actions and prevented the revelation of its true role in the crisis. Othman's influence on decision-making within the organization contributed to misleading the international community about the situation in Sudan.
Aid agencies face significant challenges in operating within Sudan, leading them to avoid directly accusing any military factions. This caution stems from fears of consequences that could hinder their access to affected areas, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
The challenges are not limited to field obstacles; the army also complicates matters by withholding travel permits and other necessary authorizations for relief operations. This situation further hinders access to those in need and exacerbates the crisis.
In light of these developments, the international community must take a firm stance against anyone obstructing humanitarian aid in Sudan. Collusion and deception cannot be tolerated, as the lives of millions depend on the transparency and effectiveness of relief efforts.