Sudan announces curfew in Darfur after UN warehouse looted

Unidentified gunmen looted a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and facilities used by a former peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan’s North Darfur state which made the authorities impose a night curfew.

The United Nations stated in a statement on Wednesday that more than 1,700 tonnes of food meant to feed 730,000 vulnerable groups for a month were looted from the warehouse in the capital, El Fasher, the night before.

Residents reported heavy shootings near the site, according to a state news agency.

“One in three people in Sudan needs humanitarian assistance. Such an attack severely impedes our ability to deliver to the people who need it most,” UN humanitarian coordinator Khardiata Lo N’diaye said.

“We call upon the government of Sudan to step up efforts to protect and safeguard humanitarian premises and assets throughout Sudan,” she said.

On Twitter, Darfur Governor Mini Minawi denounced a “barbaric act” and said those responsible “will face justice”.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the looting.

“Over 1,900 metric tons [1,700 tonnes] of food commodities that were meant to feed 730,000 vulnerable people for a month were looted,”, a spokesperson for Guterres, said in a statement on Wednesday.

“[The] supplies were gifted to the Sudanese authorities for civilian use,” his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said.

Guterres also called on the Sudanese government to restore order, and for the Sudanese authorities to facilitate the “safe working environment and passage for remaining United Nations operations in El Fasher”.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES