Muslim Scholars Condemn Attack on WFP Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan

Islamic Leaders Condemn Attack on Humanitarian Convoy as Sudan Crisis Deepens

The Muslim Council of Elders, led by Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Ahmed al-Tayeb, has strongly condemned an attack targeting a humanitarian convoy in North Darfur, highlighting the deteriorating security situation that continues to obstruct critical aid delivery to Sudan's civilian population amid the country's ongoing civil conflict.

Humanitarian Operations Under Fire

The council's statement represents more than routine diplomatic condemnation—it underscores how Sudan's 18-month civil war has systematically undermined international humanitarian efforts. The attack on the aid convoy violates international humanitarian law and demonstrates the dangerous environment facing relief workers attempting to reach Sudan's most vulnerable populations.

North Darfur, already scarred by decades of conflict, has become a focal point in the current war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The region's strategic importance and existing humanitarian needs make convoy attacks particularly devastating for civilian populations dependent on external aid.

The Jeddah Declaration's Fading Influence

The council's reference to the Jeddah Declaration highlights the gap between diplomatic commitments and ground realities. The Saudi-mediated talks, which produced agreements on humanitarian corridors and civilian protection, have proven largely ineffective as both warring parties continue to obstruct aid delivery and target civilian infrastructure.

This pattern mirrors conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where humanitarian access became a weapon of war rather than a protected right. Sudan's crisis increasingly resembles these prolonged conflicts, where initial diplomatic optimism gave way to entrenched positions and civilian suffering.

Regional Stakes and International Response

Al-Azhar's intervention carries significant weight across the Islamic world, particularly as regional powers like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE maintain complex relationships with Sudan's warring factions. The Grand Imam's condemnation signals growing concern among Islamic institutions about Sudan's trajectory toward state collapse.

The humanitarian crisis has already displaced over 7 million people and created acute food insecurity affecting 18 million Sudanese. Attacks on aid convoys compound these challenges by deterring international organizations and reducing available assistance.

Limited Prospects for De-escalation

The council's renewed call for immediate ceasefire reflects the international community's limited leverage over Sudan's conflict. Unlike previous Sudanese crises, current fighting involves well-armed factions with external backing and competing visions for the country's future.

The emphasis on protecting humanitarian workers and securing aid corridors suggests recognition that comprehensive peace remains elusive, making immediate humanitarian access the more achievable goal. This pragmatic approach acknowledges that Sudan's crisis may require long-term management rather than quick resolution.

For Sudan's civilian population, the continued attacks on humanitarian operations represent another step toward complete societal breakdown, making international protection of aid delivery increasingly critical for preventing wider regional destabilization.