Tensions in North Darfur as RSF accused of obstructing humanitarian aid
Tensions continue to rise in North Darfur as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) face allegations of obstructing vital humanitarian aid meant for malnourished children in El Fasher.
Confirming these claims, a North Darfur state official said on Wednesday that the RSF detained three trucks carrying UNICEF medical aid for children.
He stated that The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) dispatched six trucks loaded with food supplies but the RSF detained three of these trucks in (the RSF-controlled) eastern El Fasher, representing a setback in ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian needs of malnourished children and vulnerable communities in North Darfur.
The ND Official, who confirmed that hundreds of children in North Darfur are struggling with malnutrition and require immediate, life-saving assistance, with 268 cases in El Fasher alone, condemned the RSF’s actions and reiterated the urgent need for immediate assistance to address the malnutrition crisis affecting children in the region.
In response to allegations of RSF attempts to block vehicles transporting humanitarian aid to El Fasher, a commander from the joint force formed by signatories of the Juba Peace Agreement revealed that warplanes targeted an RSF convoy near the city of Mellit in North Darfur on Wednesday.
He stated that the airstrike aimed to counter RSF forces hindering aid delivery to civilians in El Fasher.
According to him, the RSF amassed around 40 military vehicles in Mellit since Tuesday, causing panic among residents in the city and raising concerns of further disruption to aid convoys destined for El Fasher from Al-Dabba.
Both the RSF and the joint force continue to trade accusations regarding the obstruction of aid, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
