An International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian convoy came under attack in Khartoum, Sudan on Sunday, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries, including three ICRC staff members…
The convoy, clearly marked with Red Cross emblems was evacuating over 100 vulnerable civilians from Khartoum to Wad Madani when the attack occurred.
The ICRC expressed shock and condemnation for the attack it called “deliberate” in nature, emphasizing that the operation had been coordinated with the conflicting parties, who had given their agreement and provided necessary security guarantees.
While the ICRC did not attribute blame, Sudan’s army has accused the convoy of violating an agreement and approaching defensive positions, using a car “belonging to the rebels” the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – RSF. The RSF, in turn, accused the army of the attack.
Head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan, Pierre Dorbes, who expressed deep sorrow for the lives lost and hoped for a full recovery of those injured, emphasized that mission, which took a tragic turn, was intended to bring civilians to safety.
He called for the immediate protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel, urging a thorough investigation into the attack.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and RSF since mid-April, causing devastation in Khartoum and ethnic killings in Darfur.
Despite diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting, the situation still remains dire.
By xamse
December 11, 2023
