Sudan Doctors Union – UK Branch
————————–
24 April 2023
SDU-UK/EC/2023/EN/01
————————–
Statement Urging Immediate and Permanent Cessation of All Armed Hostilities in Sudan
—————————
Sudan Doctors Union – UK Branch (SDU-UK) is appalled by the atrocious armed conflict which broke out in Sudan on Saturday 15/04/2023 between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the militia-based Rapid Support Force (RSF) led by the two generals who are linked to the ousted regime.
The current situation has sadly materialised into an all-out war. The densely populated capital of Khartoum is the epicentre of hostilities where both warring factions are grappling for undeserved power in a war that the good people of Sudan have no regard to. The whole country is held to ransom by this feud and a palpable sense of panic for survival is settled in. Thousands of people are embarking on risky evacuation journeys out of Khartoum and Sudan making their way to neighbouring countries and beyond. Indiscriminate heavy artillery crossfire and shelling have spared no one, to the extent that the sight of neglected dead bodies on the roadside is becoming common. So far, at least 400 were killed and thousands injured, and the toll continues to rise rapidly.
Major hospitals and healthcare facilities have been taken out of service due to structural damage from direct hits or/and an inability to safely provide healthcare personnel. The healthcare situation is further complicated by the serious shortages in all sorts of medical supplies and life-saving medicines, along with the lack of water, electricity, and fuel.
While we feel the evacuation of foreign diplomats and nationals is undoubtedly necessary during such circumstances, with these operations currently underway, Sudanese people fear that this is sending an indirect signal that the international community is turning its eyes away from the ultimate solution of imposing political pressure on the belligerent parties to immediately end this catastrophic conflict.
We urge the UK and US Governments and the European Union to put the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan at the top of their agenda so we can save lives. Current efforts should focus on an immediate and permanent cessation of all military activity in Sudan and the provision of safe passage for civilians to and from healthcare facilities. The provision of life-saving drugs and intravenous solutions is urgent as well as restoring blood bank services. There is going to be a large need for humanitarian assistance and to reconnect vital power supplies as well as clean water and food. Finally, peace must be promptly restored in Sudan and power should be handed over to a civilian-led government.
Executive Committee
