On December 25, 2024, trucks carrying much-needed food and medical supplies reached South Khartoum, marking the first humanitarian aid delivery to the area since the outbreak of civil war between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces nearly two years ago. Activists reported the arrival of the convoy as cause for celebration, with humanitarian workers observing emotional reactions from residents who have endured months of hardship without proper access to supplies.
The convoy consisted of 28 trucks, with support from organizations including the World Food Programme (WFP), Unicef, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The delivery aimed to alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis impacting local communities, particularly in districts like Al-Kalaklat and Jebel Aulia. After negotiations with the conflicting military factions, the convoy successfully navigated through dangerous territories, becoming a symbolic moment of hope amid the dire situation.
"There were tears of laughter and joy and tears of a lot of effort and exhaustion from arranging this... it was quite a moment," said Duaa Tariq, who works with Sudanese humanitarian group Emergency Response Rooms, highlighting the emotional high experienced as aid finally reached those who desperately needed it. The convoy included 22 trucks loaded with approximately 750 tons of food from the WFP, five trucks carrying medical supplies from Unicef, and one truck from MSF providing additional medical resources.
Residents of South Khartoum have suffered from severe shortages, prompting the need for immediate relief. According to the Khartoum Emergency Room, which coordinated the aid, the supplies will be instrumental for those facing acute food insecurity. "This aid will be instrumental in addressing the urgent needs of the people," the organization stated, underlining the significance of this moment.
The arrival of this convoy occurs against the backdrop of what has been described as the world's worst hunger crisis, with approximately 24.6 million people, or nearly half of Sudan’s population, requiring urgent food assistance. Humanitarian estimates suggest conditions are worsening, leading to fears of famine, particularly among vulnerable populations. Reports indicate high rates of malnutrition among children, with one in four children seeking treatment suffering from severe malnutrition.
Sheldon Yett, Unicef’s Sudan representative, detailed the challenges faced leading up to this delivery, noting, "Access to the area has been cut off due to the conflict dynamics. It took three months of often daily negotiations with governmental authorities and other controlling parties." Yett's comments reflect the multifaceted difficulties faced by aid agencies striving to deliver life-saving supplies during times of combat.
The delivery of humanitarian aid marks only the beginning of relief efforts, as local and international organizations prepare for subsequent shipments. A spokesperson for the RSF stated they expect 54 more trucks to arrive soon, indicating efforts are underway to sustain this lifeline for those affected by the fighting.
Despite this encouraging development, professionals within the humanitarian field stress the urgent need for continued support. Claire San Filippo, emergency coordinator for MSF, spoke to the gap between needs and resources, stating, "You have staggering needs on the one hand. And, on the other hand, you have an underwhelming humanitarian response and massive obstacles [put in place] by the warring parties." Her comments underline the reality of the situation—while the aid convoy is significant, it isn't enough to handle the widespread crisis facing millions.
The situation remains precarious, as negotiations to resolve the conflict between the army and the RSF continue to falter. Over the course of the civil war, which erupted anew following a power struggle between the factions, more than 12 million people have been displaced, with estimates of casualties reaching as high as 150,000. The humanitarian access has been heavily restricted due to military operations, intensifying the plight of those caught within the crossfire.
Food distribution efforts from the recent delivery are set to commence on December 29, targeting around 78,000 individuals across Khartoum, including Mayo and Alingaz areas, which have faced severe shortages. Acting quickly, WFP has mobilized to take advantage of moments of reduced conflict to deliver aid to those most vulnerable.
This initial successful delivery acts as both a sign of what can be achieved and what still lies ahead. For first responders and humanitarian workers, the efforts to facilitate future assistance remain complicated by the realities of war and the desperate needs of the civilians who rely on them for survival.
