Red Cross assists 7,800 affected by West Darfur violence

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC*) is distributing essential household items  to those affected by the violence which began on December 28, 2019 around El Geneina, West Darfur, causing several deaths, injuries and displacement of thousands of persons within the area and into Chad.

In a press statement from Khartoum today, the ICRC said: “The families we are assisting at this time were displaced from camps in Kerending, Bab El Jennan, Dar El Salam and Dar El Naeem, and other outlying areas and had their houses destroyed during the violence with no host family or anyone to help them get through this critical period.

"It is important that they have shelter, and basic items for their daily needs. We are also providing urgent medical supplies to enhance the capacity of the El Geneina Teaching Hospital to care for injured persons,” said Pascal Cuttat, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Sudan.

In the current ICRC response, 1,300 tarpaulins, 2,600 mosquito nets, 3,900 blankets, and 1,300 sleeping mats are being distributed as a matter of priority. Furthermore, 1,300 buckets are also being provided for displaced persons to enable them carry out basic household chores, the statement says.

“The dressing materials and infusion set provided by the ICRC will ensure the treatment of up to 250 injured persons, while, concurrent with our present intervention, we have deployed a multidisciplinary team which is undertaking more assessment of the situation on the ground to enable us determine further needs of those affected and respond accordingly,” Cuttat concluded.

* The ICRC is a neutral and independent humanitarian organisation and continues to respond to humanitarian needs in Sudan. Last year, it delivered safe drinking water to 326,407 persons and vaccinated over 325,810 animals in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, provided seeds and farming tools to 138,000 persons in North and Central Darfur, and supported seven health facilities in Khartoum to care for those injured during the Sudanese protests.

In the past, and based on its role as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC variously facilitated the return of combatants in the power of parties during the Sudanese conflict back to their respective locations. The on-going humanitarian response in West Darfur is consistent with the mandate of the ICRC to alleviate the suffering of those affected by armed conflict and violence and provide them with succour.

Radio Dabanga’s editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about political developments to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.