For the first time since the Sudanese civil war began in April 2023, an aid convoy has successfully delivered food and medical supplies to Khartoum, marking a breakthrough in efforts to combat the country’s escalating hunger crisis.
The convoy, consisting of 28 trucks, provided critical aid to Al Bashayer Hospital and other health facilities in the city. Five of the trucks were sent by UNICEF, carrying life-saving food and medical supplies. Humanitarian worker Duaa Tariq described the scene as filled with “tears of joy and relief” after months of logistical challenges and negotiations.
Sudan remains in the grip of a severe humanitarian crisis, with nearly half of its population—approximately 24.6 million people—in urgent need of food assistance. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has severely disrupted aid delivery, with roadblocks and security risks delaying vital supplies.
Efforts to secure this aid delivery involved extensive negotiations between UN agencies, local community groups, and the warring factions. According to aid workers, the aid is a crucial step in alleviating the dire conditions faced by Khartoum residents, many of whom have been struggling to survive under the weight of famine and conflict.
The war, which erupted from a power struggle between the army and RSF leaders following their joint 2021 coup, has left over 11 million people displaced and caused widespread devastation. Humanitarian groups and experts have warned that the country is sliding deeper into famine, with peace talks failing to yield any significant progress.
The successful delivery of this convoy offers a glimmer of hope, though much more aid is needed to address the worsening crisis. Experts emphasize the urgency of sustained humanitarian assistance to prevent further suffering.