Showing posts with label MSF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MSF. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Drone attacks in Sudan's Port Sudan and Kassala. MSF hospital attack in South Sudan was deliberate says UN

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: A year or so ago, I saw credible reports saying Janjaweed RSF militia plan to take Khartoum, Darfur, Port Sudan. I documented them at Sudan Watch but don't have time to find them now. 

The following reports regarding a series of attacks over past three days on Sudan's Port Sudan/ International Airport and Kassala Airport, plus a market and MSF hospital in South Sudan's Jonglei, succeeded in creating a new round of explosive headlines and complex humanitarian needs and aid.

In my view, they are not a coincidence. A nagging feeling I am unable to shake off tells me the US is pulling strings behind the scenes. Hundreds of ruthless US civilians are financially invested, particularly in South Sudan.
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VIDEO REPORT from Channel 4 News
By Lindsey Hilsum International Editor
Dated Tuesday, 06 May 2025 - full copy:

PORT SUDAN ROCKED BY MULTIPLE EXPLOSIONS
Sudan war latest: who was behind Port Sudan attacks?


Multiple explosions have rocked the Sudanese city of Port Sudan for a third day as paramilitary rebels target government forces.


The Red Sea city has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the civil war.


The two-year conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has already created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.


The attacks on the port have led to power cuts and represent a new front in the fighting as it had not been targeted before this month.



YouTube link: https://youtu.be/cQHh0HqRmVA

Channel 4 is a British public broadcast service

Source: https://www.channel4.com/news/sudan-war-latest-who-was-behind-port-sudan-attacks

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Related


Report from BBC

Dated Tuesday, 06 May 2025 - excerpt:

Sudan paramilitary attacks leave key city without power

Drone strikes have hit a major power station in the Sudanese city of Port Sudan causing a "complete power outage", the country's electricity provider said. Flights have been cancelled after drones hit the international airport and a hotel near the current presidential palace, reports say.

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20x8g2nego

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Report from ReliefWeb

By UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Dated Tuesday, 06 May 2025 - full copy:

Port Sudan drone attacks: A call to protect civilian infrastructure - Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami


(Port Sudan, 6 May 2025) I am shocked and deeply concerned by intensifying drone attacks on civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan, the main humanitarian hub within Sudan. In the early morning hours of 6 May 2025, drone attacks reportedly the Port Sudan International Airport and other infrastructure – including a fuel storage facility and a power transformer – in Port Sudan.


Such attacks will deepen humanitarian suffering and needs, as well as exacerbate the already severe access and logistical challenges that humanitarian actors face in the delivery of urgently needed aid to the rest of the country.


The Port Sudan International Airport is a lifeline for humanitarian operations, serving as the primary entry point for aid personnel, medical supplies, and other life-saving relief into Sudan. Moreover, the availability of fuel in Port Sudan is critical to the dispatch of humanitarian supplies to areas across Sudan in dire need of assistance. Damage to critical infrastructure could also disrupt supply chains and increase the price of basic goods, further exacerbating human suffering in what is already the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.


These latest strikes follow a series of drone attacks over the past days on civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan and Kassala, cities that have largely represented safe locations for civilians who have been displaced multiple times throughout this devastating conflict. Recent attacks on the Kassala Airport in eastern Sudan has forced displaced individuals – who had sought refuge in a gathering site near the airport – to move once again.


Since January 2025, attacks on infrastructure such as power stations, water sub-stations, and oil refineries across the country have caused widespread electricity outages and disrupted access to essential rights and services, including safe drinking water for civilians, healthcare and food supplies.


These attacks are serious violations of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. They reflect a consistent failure to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.


Every measure must be taken to spare civilians and civilian objects.


Once again, I call on all those involved in this conflict to cease hostilities.


View original: https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/port-sudan-drone-attacks-call-protect-civilian-infrastructure-statement-united-nations-resident-and-humanitarian-coordinator-sudan-clementine-nkweta-salami

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Report from IOM-DTM

Dated Tuesday, 06 May 2025 - excerpt:

DTM Sudan Flash Alert: Port Sudan (Port Sudan town), Red Sea
Between 5 and 6 May 2025, DTM field teams reported that approximately 120 households were displaced from Transit and Al Shahinat neighbourhoods in Port Sudan town of Port Sudan locality, Red Sea due to increased insecurity following air drone attacks. Households were displaced primarily to locations within Port Sudan locality, Red Sea. 

View original: https://mailchi.mp/iom/dtm-sudan-flash-alert-port-sudan-port-sudan-town-red-sea-update-001

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Report from BBC News

By Will Ross, Africa regional editor

and Natasha Booty, BBC News - excerpt:

Seven killed in South Sudan hospital and market bombing, charity says
MSF shared a picture which showed part of the hospital on fire


At least seven people have been killed after a hospital and market were bombed in South Sudan, a medical charity has said, as fears grow of a return to civil war.


Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said helicopter gunships dropped a bomb on the pharmacy of the hospital it runs in Old Fangak, Jonglei state, burning it down, before firing on the town for 30 minutes. A drone then bombed a local market, MSF said.


The hospital is the only one in Fangak county, which has a population of more than 110,000 people, MSF said, and all its medical supplies were destroyed.


The charity called the attack, which left 20 people injured, a "clear violation of international humanitarian law".


MSF spokesman Mamman Mustapha told the BBC's Newshour programme the charity was still trying to establish the facts, but local witnesses had said the aircraft were "government forces helicopters".


"The hospital is clearly marked as 'hospital' with our logo," he said. "We have shared also our coordinates for all the warring parties in the area so the hospital should be known to both parties as a hospital."


Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2536m9r2eo

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Thursday, March 13, 2025

UK statement at UNSC: In April, UK's Foreign Secretary will convene FM's in London to help end Sudan conflict and improve humanitarian response

HERE is a speech by UK's Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan held 13 March 2025.

Note, fighting in Sudan has displaced approximately 12.8 million people, roughly 3.7 million of whom have sought refuge in Sudan’s neighbouring countries—the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Read more in report from What's in Blue below.

In April, the UK’s Foreign Secretary will convene Foreign Ministers in London to help end the conflict and to improve the humanitarian response.
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Published: Thursday 13 March 2025
Speech location: United Nations, New York
Delivered on 13 March 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) - full copy:

Greater international action is needed to tackle widespread sexual violence in Sudan: UK statement at the UN Security Council


Statement by Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

Thank you to our briefers UNICEF and MSF. 


As you have made clear, women and girls in Sudan continue to face the worst horrors of this conflict.


Almost two years since the fighting began, more than 12 million people are now at risk of sexual and gender-based violence, according to UNICEF reports. 


And Sudan’s healthcare system has been decimated by the conflict, making it even harder for survivors to access support.


The UK’s Foreign Secretary travelled to the Sudan-Chad border in January and met survivors of sexual violence who shared their harrowing stories of rape and torture.


And the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan has reported that rape and gang rape is widespread in the context of the conflict in Sudan.


Acts of sexual violence constitute crimes under international law. 


And it is the responsibility of this Council to act.


President, it is clear that greater international action is needed to tackle widespread sexual violence in Sudan. The United Kingdom is committed to playing its part.


This week I joined a meeting of the International Alliance on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, convened by Ukraine, to discuss the urgent need for joined-up, survivor-centred responses.


Through the UK-funded Women’s Integrated Sexual Health programme, we are providing sexual and reproductive services to women and children in Sudan.


We are also working with UN and NGO partners to provide safe spaces, mobile clinic treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services for survivors.


But to have most impact, it is important that the international community comes together to address sexual violence in Sudan by taking 4 key steps.


First, by continuing to press the warring parties to comply with the commitments they made to protect civilians in the Jeddah Declaration.


Second, by giving support to civil society organisations on the ground who are playing a crucial role in assisting survivors of sexual violence.


Third, by supporting the International Criminal Court and the UN Fact-Finding Mission to carry out impartial investigations.


And fourth, by ensuring that the protection of civilians remains at the top of this Council’s agenda.


President, looking ahead, in April, the UK’s Foreign Secretary will convene Foreign Ministers in London to help end the conflict and to improve the humanitarian response.


Bringing an end to the conflict will be a critical step towards ending sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan.


Colleagues, we must continue working together closely until we achieve that goal.


View original: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/greater-international-action-is-needed-to-tackle-widespread-sexual-violence-in-sudan-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council

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Related


Report from What's In Blue 

Dated Wednesday 12 March 2025

Sudan: Briefing


Nearly two years into the war, which started on 15 April 2023, Sudan has witnessed a devastating humanitarian crisis, resulting in significant civilian casualties, mass displacement, and acute food and water shortages. 


The crisis has also been marked by a collapse of healthcare and essential services and grave violations of international humanitarian law, including widespread incidents of CRSV.


The fighting has displaced approximately 12.8 million people, roughly 3.7 million of whom have sought refuge in Sudan’s neighbouring countries—the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda.


Full story: https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/whatsinblue/2025/03/sudan-briefing-5.php


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Wednesday, August 14, 2024

SAF & RSF no shows at Sudan peace talks in Geneva. ICC should issue arrest warrants for Burhan & Hemeti

NOTE from Sudan Watch Editor: I have been dreading today's news about the long awaited Sudan ceasefire talks being held in Geneva, Switzerland starting today. I fear it is Sudan's last chance to save itself and its people and more delays will enable the SAF and RSF to keep on killing their own people.

A BBC report just in (below) says neither side turned up for talks. I know it is none of my business, I am not Sudanese, it is not my place to interfere. As an anti-poverty campaigner, it pains me to know millions of poverty-stricken Sudanese will continue to suffer unnecessarily, I am seeing red right now. 

 

In my view, it is impossible to know what the Americans are playing at. They do not seem to know what they are doing. It is difficult to understand what they and their people like Ms Molly Phee are cooking up behind the scenes.

 

Personally, I wish the ICC would now issue arrest warrants for Messrs Burhan and Hemeti without further delay, charging them with mass murder and blatantly refusing to abide by international and humanitarian law.

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Report from BBC News

Written by Wedaeli Chibelushi, Imogen Foulkes & Kalkidan Yibetal

Dated Wednesday, 14 August 2024. Full copy:


Sudan peace talks start - but neither side shows up

Image source, AFP Image caption, Around 10 million people have fled their homes as a result of the war

Fresh peace talks aimed at ending Sudan's 16-month war have started although neither warring side has entered the negotiating room.


The US, which is leading the talks, insisted the event continued regardless, saying "we are going to try to do everything we can to try to end this horrific crisis in Sudan".


Fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands, driven about 10 million people from their homes and sparked what the United Nations has called the "world's worst hunger crisis".


The army said it would boycott the talks several days ago, while RSF delegates went to Switzerland but at the last minute said they would stay away.


Dashing hopes of a ceasefire, the army said it would not attend as the RSF had not implemented "what was agreed upon" in Saudi Arabia last year.


The paramilitary group had not met key conditions of the Jeddah Declaration, such as withdrawing its fighters from civilians’ houses and public facilities, the army said.


"Military operations will not stop without the withdrawal of every last militiaman from the cities and villages they have plundered and colonised," said Sudanese armed forces chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.


The RSF has denied accusations of looting and violence against civilians.


As late as Tuesday night, there were still hopes that Sudan's army would arrive for the talks. Tom Perriello, the US Special Envoy for Sudan, said at 23:30 GMT (00:30 Swiss time) that the delegates were "still waiting on the SAF".


"The world is watching," he posted on X.


Mr Perriello told the BBC that in the absence of both sides, the other parties were "moving forward with the negotiations on everything we can do, to make sure we are getting food and medicine and civilian protection to every person in Sudan".


The RSF on Tuesday night said its arrival in Geneva was "a powerful testament to our resolve and determination to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people". The group called on the army to attend the talks.


However, the RSF were not present at the start of the talks on Wednesday. The group has not publicly given a reason for withdrawing.


Before the talks were due to begin, and before the RSF pulled out, Mukesh Kapila, the former United Nations Chief Coordinator for Sudan, said the mood among the delegates was "pretty glum".


"I don't think the two belligerents are interested in talking to each other. One of them is not here already and not much is expected," he told the BBC.


Mr Perriello, however, said he was "very, very hopeful" that the army would listen to "the overwhelming voice of the Sudanese people" and send delegates to Geneva for the talks.


Previous peace talks in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have all failed.


Delegates from the US, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union and the United Nations attended Wednesday's ceremony.


As well as citing the Jeddah Declaration, the army also said it objected to the presence of the UAE as an observer.


The UAE has been accused of arming the RSF, although the Gulf nation has denied any involvement.


The US said the UAE and Egypt - also thought to wield influence in the conflict - needed to attend the talks to help ensure any ceasefire actually holds.


According to the UN’s migration agency, tens of thousands of preventable deaths are looming in Sudan if the conflict and restrictions on humanitarian aid continue.


As talks began in Geneva, medical charity MSF said the last functioning city in the besieged Sudanese city of el-Fasher may have to shut down due to intensive bombardment.


The surgical ward in the Saudi hospital was hit on Sunday, killing the carer of a patient and injuring five others, the charity reported.


The Rapid Support Forces have been trying to capture the city from the army for several months, forcing tens of thousands of civilian to flee.


It is the last city still under army control in the western region of Darfur, where the RSF has been accused of widespread atrocities against the region's non-Arabic population.


Additional reporting from Will Ross


View original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c985493m719o

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Related reports


BBC News - Wed 14 Aug 2024

Sudan army boycotts US-led peace talks

Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan refused to send a delegation to the peace talks in Geneva. Fresh peace talks aimed at ending Sudan's 16-month war have started although neither warring side has entered the negotiating room. The US, which is leading the talks, insisted the event continued regardless, saying "we are going to try to do everything we can to try to end this horrific crisis in Sudan".

Full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c985493m719o

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Dabanga English Online - Wed 14 Aug 2024

Cameron Hudson: ‘Outside backers perpetuate Sudan stalemate’

Hudson emphasised that SAF’s decision to boycott the talks is not final. “It is a reversible decision,” he said, highlighting that SAF could be compelled or choose to change its stance depending on the evolving situation on the ground. He pointed out that SAF has consistently insisted on the implementation of the previous Jeddah agreement and seeks recognition not as an equivalent to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but as the ‘legitimate government’ of Sudan.

Full story: https://www.dabangasudan.org/en/all-news/article/cameron-hudson-outside-backers-perpetuate-sudan-stalemat

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Geneva Solutions - Tue 13 Aug 2024

Sudan talks in Geneva: ‘We want peace’

Yassin regretted the exclusion of Tagadum and other civilian representatives from the talks. Only a dozen representatives from women’s groups, whose identities have not been disclosed for security reasons, were invited as observers, along with the United Nations and the African Union. He still welcomed the talks as “a good step towards building peace”. Rasheed harbours no illusions on her part, noting that “civilian voices are largely ignored”. “These people are treated as legitimate leaders. The table is there for those with the guns,” she said. She still views it as a necessary step. “The main thing is to stop the senseless dying and starving. Whatever progress is made is more than welcome.”

Full story: https://genevasolutions.news/peace-humanitarian/sudan-talks-in-geneva-we-want-peace

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