KHARTOUM — Sudan’s Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that it had declared two senior officials from the World Food Programme (WFP) persona non grata and given them 72 hours to leave the country.
According to the state-run Sudan News Agency (SUNA), the Foreign Ministry summoned Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan, and informed him of the government’s decision deeming both him and Samantha Katrag, the agency’s Head of Operations in Sudan, unwelcome. Both officials were ordered to depart the country within three days.
In its statement, the ministry affirmed the Sudanese government’s full commitment to cooperation with all international organizations operating in the country, in accordance with internationally recognized laws and norms, including respect for state sovereignty. It stressed that the decision “does not affect ongoing cooperation between the Government of Sudan and the World Food Programme.”
Aid Operations Amid Conflict
The WFP has been struggling to deliver food assistance to millions of Sudanese facing acute hunger amid the devastating war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has created one of the world’s largest food insecurity crises, with widespread displacement and famine across several regions.
In August 2024, the WFP launched an internal investigation involving two senior staff members in Sudan over allegations of deception and withholding information from donors about the agency’s ability to deliver aid to civilians. The probe also examined claims that key officials concealed details of possible Sudanese army involvement in obstructing humanitarian assistance during a worsening nationwide hunger emergency.
While the Foreign Ministry did not provide reasons for the recent expulsions, the move adds to growing tensions between Sudanese authorities and international relief agencies operating in conflict zones across the country.
