KHARTOUM – A group of Western diplomatic missions and the European Union condemned an attack on a World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian convoy in Dilling, South Kordofan, saying the strike wounded civilian drivers and damaged life-saving aid supplies.

In a joint statement, the missions of the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Norway and the European Union said the attack targeted a WFP aid convoy on Aug. 30.

The missions, acting as members of the Alliance for the Prevention of Atrocities and the Advancement of Justice in Sudan, said attacks directed against humanitarian personnel and their activities violate international humanitarian law.

They said the trucks in the convoy were clearly marked with WFP logos and that all relevant parties had been notified of the convoy’s movement, as required by the parties to the conflict.

The statement described the attack as another example of the growing destruction caused by drone warfare against civilians and civilian objects in Sudan.

It said markets, health facilities, displacement camps and other sites vital to civilian survival have been destroyed during the conflict.

The missions renewed their call on all parties to the conflict to demonstrate respect for international humanitarian law in practice by taking measures to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers, and by enabling safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.

They also repeated their call on those contributing to violations through weapons transfers, including the use of drones, to recognize the consequences of their actions for Sudanese civilians.

The missions said a credible investigation should be conducted into the incident, with clear accountability mechanisms where appropriate, to prevent similar attacks from recurring.

Repeated strikes on humanitarian aid convoys and continued obstruction of humanitarian operations would only worsen the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians, the statement said.

It added that actions preventing civilians from receiving life-saving assistance and directly contributing to harm against them violate humanitarian law and undermine the legitimate aspirations of the Sudanese people.

The attack comes amid intensified fighting and drone strikes in South Kordofan, where insecurity, blocked roads and the rainy season have made humanitarian access increasingly difficult.

Dilling and nearby areas have faced repeated attacks and shortages of food, medicine and basic services, while aid agencies have warned that civilians across Kordofan remain at severe risk because of violence and restricted access.

Sudan’s war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left millions dependent on humanitarian aid, while relief operations continue to face attacks, looting, administrative obstacles and insecurity.