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August 31, 2024 (Khartoum) – Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Saturday that an armed group had looted one of its clinics in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, hampering its ability to provide aid amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The incident took place on August 17 at the Al Shaheed Wedatallah Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) in southern Khartoum, an area largely controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
Doctors Without Borders said in a statement that more than 20 armed men in military uniforms stormed the clinic and threatened the guards at gunpoint to hand over 400 liters of fuel, communications equipment and food. The guards were reportedly held overnight.
The statement stressed that the stolen fuel is critical to maintaining the cold chain for vaccines, critical telecommunications equipment and food.
MSF has contacted MSF and its Sudan Humanitarian Aid and Operations Agency several times to demand the return of the stolen items and clarification of the incident.
“We are confident that steps have been taken to recover the stolen assets. However, this has not yet happened,” MSF said.
In April 2024, the hospital encountered a similar situation.
“MSF strongly condemns this incident as it seriously jeopardizes our ability to continue to provide adequate support to the Karakala PHCC as a cholera outbreak has now been declared across Sudan.”
MSF calls on MSF and the Sudanese authorities to ensure the immediate return of the stolen supplies and guarantee the safety of medical facilities and staff.
The incident comes amid ongoing conflict between MSF and the Sudanese army, which has displaced millions of people and severely disrupted health services. MSF has been the main provider of medical aid in Sudan but faces challenges due to insecurity and looting.
Earlier this week, Doctors Without Borders warned that its operations in Darfur could be suspended if vital supplies currently being withheld by MSF are not delivered to the region soon.
(English stone)
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