Harare — An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) relief convoy came under attack in the Sudanese city of Khartoum on Sunday, December 10, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries, including three ICRC employees, the ICRC confirmed.

The convoy, comprising three ICRC vehicles and three buses clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, was targeted as it entered the evacuation area to transport over a hundred vulnerable civilians from Khartoum to Wad Madani. The humanitarian operation had been coordinated and approved by the conflicting parties, who had provided security assurances.

Expressing shock and dismay, the ICRC denounced the deliberate nature of the attack. The ICRC stated, “The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is shocked and appalled by a deliberate attack on its humanitarian convoy in Khartoum on Sunday.”

Despite the convoy’s mission to evacuate civilians, including foreign nationals, from St. Mary’s Church in Khartoum, the Sudanese army alleged that the convoy violated an agreement by approaching its defensive positions in a vehicle “belonging to the rebels,” referencing the RSF.

The incident underscores the precarious conditions faced by humanitarian workers and the vulnerability of civilians in conflict zones.

This brazen attack on a humanitarian convoy emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced protection of aid workers and the civilians they serve.