Sudanese government alleges that paramilitary forces are hindering UNICEF aid trucks

In a recent development, Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of blocking UNICEF trucks carrying humanitarian aid to North Darfur State. The RSF allegedly intercepted the trucks meant to address malnutrition among children in displacement camps, hindering aid delivery along the Al-Dabba-Mellit-El Fasher route.

The Ministry’s claims come after notifying the UN about allowing aid transport through specific routes in the Darfur region. Despite this, the RSF has reportedly deployed forces near Mellit to obstruct humanitarian convoys. The UN estimates that half of Sudan’s population, around 25 million people, require aid, with 18 million at risk of severe food scarcity.

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in violent confrontations between the Armed Forces and the RSF, leading to the displacement of millions. Last month’s report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cited nearly 13,900 fatalities in the conflict. The obstruction of aid delivery by the RSF only exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.