UN wants explanation after Sudan expelled two senior WFP officials
(MENAFN) The United Nations said Wednesday it is seeking clarification from Sudanese authorities after the government expelled two senior World Food Program (WFP) officials without providing a reason.
"You saw the reports from Sudan that two of our colleagues from the World Food Program have been designated as persona non grata by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and were asked to leave the country within 72 hours, without any official explanation," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
Dujarric highlighted the timing of the expulsions, noting, "To state the obvious, humanitarian needs in Sudan have never been greater, with more than 24 million people facing acute insecurity and communities impacted by famine." He added that "WFP and senior UN officials are engaging with authorities to protest this action, and we're seeking clarification for the decision taken by all parties."
He stressed that Sudan "must prioritize the lives and well-being of millions of people who depend on emergency food and nutrition assistance for their survival," and underscored the UN and WFP’s commitment to ensuring access to vital aid amid "unprecedented hunger, unprecedented insecurity, and unprecedented humanitarian needs."
The expulsions follow Sudan’s declaration of the two WFP officials as persona non grata, requiring them to leave the country within 72 hours. While the Foreign Ministry did not explain the decision, it maintained that ongoing cooperation with the WFP in Sudan would continue.
The announcement comes amid heavy clashes in El-Fasher, North Darfur, between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which recently claimed control of the city. The conflict, ongoing since April 15, 2023, has killed thousands and displaced over 15 million people despite multiple mediation attempts.
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