Sudan: 3 UN staff killed in clashes between army and militias

The UN Mission in Sudan said today that three staff members World Food Program (WFP) They were killed on Saturday during clashes that broke out in North Darfur amid fighting between the army and the powerful Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (FAR).

“Three employees World Food Program (WFP) died in clashes that broke out in kabkabia, Northern DarfurApril 15 in the performance of their duties,” the message reads. UN this is a statement.

Mission Representative in Sudan, Volker Perthesstrongly condemned attacks on personnel United Nations”, he conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed “extreme concern” “reports of shells hitting objects UN”during the fighting.

However, he did not elaborate on how the workers of the WFP, an organization that had come under sporadic attacks by armed groups even before the uprising, died.

Looting at UN facilities

Perthes also denounced the existence of “reports” of “looting of facilities UN and other humanitarian facilities in various locations in Darfur,” which he described as “repeated acts of violence” that are “interfering with the delivery of vital aid and must be stopped.”

“The safety of staff and contractors is of paramount importance, and when incidents like this occur, women, men and children who are in dire need of assistance suffer the most,” the spokesman said, calling on the warring parties to “respect their international obligations.” “, as well as guarantee the safety of personnel and facilities UN.

“I repeat: civilians and humanitarian workers are not the target,” he said.

More than 50 civilians were killed

In accordance with United Nationsabout 16 million people, that is, a third of the population SudanThey depend on humanitarian aid.

Clashes between Army And FAR exploded on Saturday morning and, according to Central Committee of Sudanese Doctorsto date, more than 50 civilians have died and almost 600 have been injured across the country.

(EFE)