United Nations Radio

The World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed sadness and shock at the killing of three drivers in two separate incidents in Sudan. One was shot on March 24th on the route to Nyala in South Darfur, and the other two were stabbed to death on March 22nd on a riverbank in southern Sudan as they were carrying WFP food to Abyei.

Two weeks ago, WFP warned that banditry was delaying vital food deliveries, reducing by half the amount of food normally transported into Darfur at this time of year. Emilia Casella is a spokesperson for WFP in Khartoum.

"The situation really is unacceptable. Our staff and drivers who are driving humanitarian vehicles are there as neutral actors on the ground. And by attacking humanitarian staff, these assailants are hurting the innocent people who need our help."

WFP says the incident in Darfur brings to 56 the number of trucks involved in hijackings this year. Last month, WFP provided a monthly food ration to more than two million conflict-affected people in Darfur. A further 64,000 people could not be reached because of insecurity.

Reporting for UN Radio, I'm Bissera Kostova.