Sudan Expels UN WFP Officials Amid Escalating Civil War Famine Impact

Sudan's military government has ordered two senior officials of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) to leave the country within 72 hours, declaring them persona non grata without providing any explanation. This expulsion comes at a critical time amid Sudan's ongoing civil war which began in April 2023, with more than 24 million people facing acute food insecurity and widespread famine conditions. The decision follows the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces' capture of the key city of el-Fasher in Darfur after an 18-month siege that included a food blockade, raising fears of mass killings and atrocities against civilians. Despite the expulsions, the Sudanese government claims that cooperation with the WFP will continue, though the WFP warns that leadership changes could jeopardize operations supporting millions of vulnerable Sudanese. The WFP and senior UN officials are actively engaging with Sudanese authorities to protest the expulsions and seek clarification, emphasizing the urgent need to maintain humanitarian assistance in the world's most complex crisis. The situation highlights the severe humanitarian challenges exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and heightens concerns over access to critical aid.