At least five humanitarian workers from UNICEF and the World Food Program have lost their lives in the Northern Darfur region of Sudan, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Daniel Gerard O'Malley, the ICRC Head of Delegation in Sudan, states that these aid workers were killed while providing essential assistance to Sudanese civilians affected by a conflict that has lasted over two years.
“We are saddened by the unfortunate incidents in North Darfur, Sudan. Five humanitarians from WFP and UNICEF have been killed, and several others were injured while delivering critical supplies,” O'Malley expressed in a LinkedIn post.
He urges the safeguarding of humanitarian workers, who are dedicated solely to helping those in need in conflict zones.
Humanitarian crises
The fighting, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudan Armed Forces led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under the command of Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has reportedly resulted in one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world.
A report from Human Rights Watch in 2025 noted that both warring factions have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as significant breaches of international humanitarian law.
The report notes that as of September 2024, over 108 million people have been displaced due to the conflict in Sudan, with 8.1 million displaced since 2023. It further highlights that more than 25 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity, with funding reaching nearly half of what is needed.
Additionally, the report states that at least 17 million children have been forced to leave school, and individuals with disabilities are facing various dangers.
Political tides
Political unrest surged in Sudan under the leadership of Omar Hassan al-Bashir due to economic hardship stemming from international sanctions. Following the ousting of long-time dictator Omar Hassan al-Bashir on April 11, 2019, a caretaker government was established and was overseen by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
On August 21, 2019, Ibrahaim Hamdok was appointed Prime Minister as part of the transition to a civilian-led government. However, Burhan executed a coup on October 25, 2021, assuming control over the country.
Recently, the chairperson of the Transitional Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, appointed UN diplomat Kamil Idris as Prime Minister.
On June 1, Idris dissolved the caretaker government, as reported by Sudan News Agency (SUNA). It remains uncertain when the new Prime Minister will form the new government.
