The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is warning of a complete collapse of the health system in Sudan. “We are receiving calls for help from hospitals that have been without power or water for days. They are no longer able to provide the most basic treatments,” ICRC spokeswoman Crystal Wells told the Catholic News Agency (CNA) on Monday.
According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, more than 100,000 people have already fled the fighting to neighboring countries in Sudan.
Malnutrition and general food insecurity would make matters worse. Even before the fighting broke out in mid-April, they posed a major problem for Sudan.
Many Sudanese are currently pinning their hopes on talks between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. While the army has rejected a political deal, it has offered the prospect of a humanitarian ceasefire. So far, all ceasefire attempts have failed. The negotiations are being mediated by the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Wells urges warring factions in the northeast African country to ensure “safe access” for aid workers and technicians. She appealed to the international community to continue working on a political solution to end the bloodbath in Sudan. Hundreds of people have died since fighting broke out in the capital Khartoum and elsewhere; about 100,000 fled across the borders. The anguish of those affected increases by the hour, Wells said.
(kna – cs)