In theory there is a ceasefire in Sudan, but in practice it is extremely fragile. Fighting continues to be reported. At least General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seems ready for a 72-hour extension of the ceasefire. This would otherwise expire on Friday. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation for the local people continues to worsen.
UN Secretary-General Guterres warned of a famine on Wednesday. Food would become increasingly scarce. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only 16 percent of medical facilities are open in Khartoum, the capital and the center of the fighting. On the other hand, there are well over 4,000 injured. In addition, shared Aid organization SOS Children’s Villages informed that their facility in Khartoum had been attacked by gunmen. The children and staff were evacuated.
situation for aid organizations
The situation on the ground is not easy for aid organizations. Hundreds of international helpers have already left the country. Even initiatives like World Vision, which have been active in Sudan for over 30 years, are currently having problems organizing help on the ground. The German Red Cross (DRK) is currently not providing any official information on the situation on site, it said when asked. We are working on a current situation report.
The President of the International Committee of the DRK said a few days ago that the organization would remain on site. Employees would have been given access to individual hospitals. He reports that Deutschlandfunk. Doctors Without Borders also announced on Thursday that they would be expanding their aid. Emergency teams are ready to travel to the embattled Horn of Africa country the organization announced. They are in close contact with hospitals and the Sudanese health authorities.
Caroline Klein is Head of Humanitarian Aid at World Vision and responsible for projects in Sudan.
© Source: World Vision
“The security situation in Sudan is currently very difficult for the population, but also for our employees,” says Caroline Klein, Head of Humanitarian Aid at World Vision and responsible for the projects in Sudan. The lack of access to cash, petrol or the Internet makes the situation even more difficult. “Communication is a problem,” says Klein. That’s why World Vision has suspended its activities for the time being – at least in the particularly competitive areas. “It’s quieter in the Blue Nile region than in Khartoum or in Dafur,” says Klein. “We can still work there.”
World Vision is a Christian aid organization that operates worldwide. In Sudan, World Vision initiates offers of help, especially for children and pregnant women. The aim is to restore a kind of basic service. For example, they set up water points, distribute food or cash. “We always try to buy the relief supplies locally in order to strengthen the markets there,” says Klein. World Vision also transfers money to what they call beneficiaries. “Then they can get what they need themselves.” But that doesn’t always work. For example, not when the markets are closed.
How the evacuation from Sudan went – and why it is now even more dangerous
It was a high-risk operation: during the evacuation from Sudan, even the way to the airport was dangerous. Foreign Minister Baerbock and Defense Minister Pistorius canceled appointments to accompany the action. However, not all Germans living in Sudan have been reached so far.
It is unclear when help will be available again
The renewed escalation of the conflict is particularly bitter for the people of Sudan. Since its independence in 1956, armed conflicts have determined everyday life for many people. In 2003 the conflict in the Dafur region escalated. Thousands of people died. South Sudan has been an independent country since a referendum in 2011. There have been two military coups in the past four years. Now the conflict between the rulers escalated. “Humanitarian needs in Sudan were acute even before the current conflict began and have been steadily deteriorating,” says Klein.
15.8 million people were dependent on humanitarian aid even before the escalation, including more than 8.5 million children. “The crisis has disrupted life-saving treatment for an estimated 50,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition,” Klein said. “These children could die if aid is not resumed quickly.”
Despite the ceasefire, fighting appears to be continuing in Sudan
Rival military blocs in Sudan agreed on Thursday to extend the ceasefire by a further 72 hours.
© Source: Reuters
It is unclear when World Vision will be able to resume humanitarian aid in the conflict regions in Sudan. “Together with UN organizations and other aid organizations, we are pushing for safe humanitarian access,” says Klein. “We are currently preparing to be able to provide aid again immediately as soon as this is possible. Also for people who want to flee to neighboring countries.”
What do local people need most right now? “Access to medical care, food and cash. Because the banks are all closed,” says Klein. “Basically, people need peace.”
Overview of donation options
Would you like to help the people in Sudan? Here you will find an overview of the donation accounts of the aid organizations and more information at a glance.
Doctors Without Borders v.:
Social Economy Bank
IBAN: DE72 3702 0500 0009 7097 00 SWIFT
BIC: BFSWDE33XXX
More information here.
World Vision:
PAX Bank eG
IBAN DE72 3706 0193 4010 5000 07
Key word: disaster relief
More information here.
German Red Cross e. v.:
IBAN: DE63 3702 0500 0005 0233 07
BIC: BFSWDE33XXX
More information here.
See more here
