The World Food Programme (WFP) is investigating two of its top officials in Sudan over allegations that include fraud and withholding information from donors about its ability to deliver food aid to civilians amid a severe famine in the country, according to 11 people with knowledge of the probe.
The investigation by the WFP Office of Inspector General (OIG) comes as the UN food aid agency struggles to feed millions of people in war-torn Sudan, which is now experiencing one of the world's worst food shortages in years.
As part of the probe, investigators are looking into whether WFP staff tried to hide the Sudanese military's alleged role in disrupting aid deliveries amid a brutal 16-month war with rival paramilitary forces for control of the country, five sources told Reuters news agency.
One of those being investigated is WFP Sudan deputy director Khalid Osman, who was given a “temporary assignment” outside Sudan, which amounts to a de facto suspension, the six sources said.
Another senior official, WJP area manager Mohammed Ali, is under investigation in connection with the alleged disappearance of more than 200,000 litres of the UN agency's fuel in the Sudanese town of Kosti, four sources said.
Reuters could not confirm whether Ali was still in office. Osman and Ali declined to comment when contacted by Reutersand referred the news agency to the WJP media office.
When asked about the research by Reuters. WFP said that “allegations of misconduct by individuals related to irregularities in our areas of operation in Sudan” were under urgent review by the OIG.
WFP declined to comment on allegations of abuse or the status of specific employees.
The U.S. government aid agency, USAID, told Reuters in a statement that it was notified by WFP on Aug. 20 of a “potential fraud incident impacting WFP operations in Sudan.” USAID said it is the largest single donor to WFP, providing nearly half of all contributions in a single year.
“These allegations are deeply concerning and should be thoroughly investigated,” the USAID statement said. “USAID immediately referred the allegations to the USAID OIG.”
The investigation comes at a critical time for the WFP, which describes itself as the world’s largest humanitarian organization. It won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize for its work fighting hunger and promoting peace. (uh/ab)
