Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator a.i. in Sudan, Luca Renda

Humanitarian convoy attacked in North Darfur: A call to protect humanitarian operations

(Port Sudan, 21 August 2025) On 20 August, a WFP convoy of 16 trucks carrying life-saving food assistance for vulnerable families came under a drone attack in Al Melit locality, North Darfur, destroying three trucks after they caught on fire. The truck drivers are safe and accounted for.

The convoy had arrived in Mellit on 16 August from WFP’s logistics base in Tina, Chad, to deliver aid in Al Melit and surrounding destinations. The attack occurred while the trucks were being offloaded into a cooperating partner’s warehouse.

We call for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and parties found responsible to be held to account.

We condemn in the strongest terms this attack on aid workers, humanitarian aid and assets. This latest incident adds to many unacceptable attacks in recent months taking lifesaving food assistance away from those that need it most.

Unimpeded access to reach the most vulnerable families in Darfur and across Sudan is critical. Humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target.

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For more information, please contact: Samreen Abuidris, samreen.abuidris@un.org; +971 56 385 1676