UN Food Program Probes Top Officials Amid Sudan's Hunger Crisis

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has launched an investigation into two of its senior officials in Sudan, focusing on allegations of fraud and concealment of information regarding food aid delivery amidst the country's dire hunger crisis. This probe comes at a critical time for Sudan, where over 25 million people are facing severe food insecurity.

The investigation, conducted by the WFP's Office of the Inspector General, is examining whether staff attempted to hide the alleged role of Sudan's army in obstructing aid during the ongoing 16-month conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The WFP, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts in combating hunger and promoting peace, is currently facing significant challenges in its operations in Sudan.

One of the officials under scrutiny is Khalid Osman, the WFP's deputy country director in Sudan, who has been temporarily reassigned outside the country. Another senior official, Mohammed Ali, is being investigated in connection with the alleged disappearance of over 200,000 liters of UN fuel supplies in the city of Kosti.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the largest donor to the WFP, has expressed deep concern over these allegations. USAID provides nearly half of all contributions to the WFP in a typical year, making this investigation particularly significant for the organization's funding and operations.

The situation in Sudan has reached critical levels, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reporting famine conditions in at least one area of the Darfur region. The ongoing conflict has displaced more than 10 million people, exacerbating hunger, malnutrition among children, and outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.

Aid workers have reported significant challenges in delivering relief, citing logistical constraints, ongoing fighting, and alleged obstruction by both the Sudanese army and RSF troops. The army-aligned authorities have been accused of withholding travel permits and clearances, while RSF troops have allegedly looted aid supplies.

The investigation is also looking into claims that senior WFP staff may have misled donors, including UN Security Council member states, by downplaying the Sudanese army's role in blocking aid deliveries to areas controlled by the RSF. This includes an incident in June 2024 where 15 aid trucks were allegedly delayed for seven weeks due to permission issues in Port Sudan.

In response to these challenges, the WFP has stated that it has taken "swift measures" to reinforce its work in Sudan, including immediate staffing actions to ensure the integrity and continuity of its life-saving operations.

As the world's largest humanitarian organization, the WFP plays a crucial role in coordinating and providing logistical support for large-scale emergencies globally. The ongoing investigation and the situation in Sudan highlight the complex challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in conflict zones and the critical importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in aid operations.

"Allegations of individual misconduct related to irregularities in pockets of our operation in Sudan are under urgent review by our inspector general's office."

The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the WFP's operations in Sudan and its ability to address the growing hunger crisis in the country. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains focused on finding ways to deliver aid effectively and alleviate the suffering of millions of Sudanese civilians caught in the crossfire of conflict and famine.