WFP launches probe into its Sudan operations: Giulia Paravicini and Maggie Michael / Reuters

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WFP is investigating two senior officials in Sudan over allegations of fraud and concealing information from donors about its ability to deliver food aid. The officials, Khalid Osman and Mohammed Ali, are suspected of misleading donors about the Sudanese army's role in blocking aid deliveries and the disappearance of 200,000 liters of WFP fuel. Osman, who has been suspended, had high-level army connections and may have used his position to limit access and scrutiny of the army's management of aid. Ali is being investigated in connection with the missing fuel. Both officials have declined to comment.

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Excerpts:
"WFP deputy country director Osman allegedly hid from donors that authorities aligned with the army in Port Sudan had refused to give permission for 15 trucks to carry life-saving aid to Nyala in South Darfur, an area that includes communities at risk of famine. The trucks waited for seven weeks before they finally were granted permission to proceed.

Osman, who was promoted within the WFP’s Sudan office with unusual speed, had high-level army connections, according to eight sources. He exercised control over which WFP colleagues gained visa approvals to enter Sudan, allowing him to limit access and scrutiny of the army’s management of aid, according to three people familiar with the system."