Darfur follow-ups
The International Committee of the Red Cross announced the suspension of operations to facilitate the evacuation of civilians and the handover of prisoners in Khartoum State, until assurances from both sides of the conflict about security guarantees to secure Red Cross teams to carry out such operations.
The official spokesman for the Red Cross in Sudan, Adnan Hizam, said in a limited press interview on social media that the recent attack on the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation accompanying the humanitarian convoy, last week in Khartoum State, led to the death of two and the injury of seven others.
In a “deliberate attack” on an aid convoy in Khartoum, such operations were accordingly suspended, until there is awareness and clarity on the issue of security guarantees.
Adnan Hizam continued, “Until we receive answers to our questions, it is unacceptable for us to lose a victim, or for there to be victims.” Adnan revealed that the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross is to facilitate the evacuation of stranded civilians and detainees, as it plays the role of a neutral mediator. Adnan said, “These events have been repeated in the past period, but unfortunately this painful incident has made the committee’s tasks more difficult in the future.”
The official spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Sudan called on both sides of the conflict, the army and the Rapid Support Forces, and everyone, to have a greater understanding of humanitarian work. Adnan Hizam said: We ask that there be real action in humanitarian work, so that it reflects positively on the humanitarian response operations in Sudan, and serves millions of Sudanese to benefit from this aid.
He added that there are talks between the committee and the parties; To clarify what happened, he said: “We hope that there will be a greater understanding of humanitarian work and its impact on alleviating suffering. Stressing that the International Committee of the Red Cross works impartially.
He added: “There are agreements and coordination on our part; With all parties, as well as coordination regarding the operation itself, but we were surprised by the attack.” Adnan added, “When the parties have the intention or talk of an exchange operation, or a civilian evacuation operation, in conflict areas, the committee is ready, to play its role as a neutral humanitarian mediator, in facilitating such Operations, being humanitarian operations. Saying that when it is facilitated, for a father to return to his children, or a man to his wife, or a son to his mother, this creates a positive effect.
Regarding the health conditions in the country, the official spokesman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, Adnan Hizam, noted that the conflict in Sudan has greatly affected and contributed to the collapse of the health situation, and that about 80% of hospitals are not working. Adnan pointed out that there are about 20 million Sudanese who face food insecurity, in addition to the difficulty of obtaining clean water and sanitation services.
He stressed that the International Committee is trying to target the vulnerable in this conflict and provide humanitarian and health services.
He added: The needs are great, saying, “Everyone is in need in Sudan, and the matter requires providing aid.”
