Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has appealed to authorities in Central Darfur to enhance security measures to safeguard its medical teams and facilitate safer movement across the state. The organisation made the request during a meeting with Major General Mohamed Adam El Banjous, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander in Central Darfur. MSF seeks to remove commercial sites surrounding Zalingei Teaching Hospital and Starlink networks from inside the facility.
The meeting between MSF and the RSF commander discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination to facilitate MSF's work in the state. MSF confirmed its commitment to continue supporting Zalingei Teaching Hospital and other health centres, providing emergency care, paediatric services, and responses to diseases and epidemics, including measles. The organisation provides services in several parts of Central Darfur, including Zalingei, Wadi Salih, Mukjar, and northern Jebel Marra.
MSF called for the activation of security agreements signed with the state's security committee to address challenges affecting its medical operations. The organisation stressed the importance of protecting its teams and enabling them to travel safely between areas. El Banjous praised MSF's efforts to provide medical services in the state and acknowledged the RSF's responsibility for protecting and securing humanitarian and health-related activities and facilities.
The RSF commander urged MSF to strengthen coordination with the RSF leadership in the state to ensure the safety of its staff and enable them to carry out their duties. MSF's requests aim to improve the overall security situation for its teams and patients in Central Darfur. The organisation's work is crucial in providing essential medical services to the affected populations.
MSF's operations in Central Darfur face challenges due to the prevailing security situation. The organisation's teams work tirelessly to provide medical care to those in need, despite the difficulties. The meeting with the RSF commander was a step towards addressing some of the security concerns and finding solutions to facilitate MSF's work.
The state's civil administration media office confirmed that MSF would continue its support to health centres in Central Darfur. The organisation's commitment to providing medical services is unwavering, and it seeks to ensure that its teams can operate safely and effectively. The security agreements signed with the state's security committee are expected to be activated to address the challenges.
The situation in Central Darfur remains volatile, and MSF's work is essential in providing medical services to the affected populations. The organisation's appeal for stronger security measures is a step towards ensuring the safety of its teams and patients.
Key points
- MSF requests removal of commercial sites surrounding Zalingei Teaching Hospital
- Organisation seeks activation of security agreements with state's security committee
- MSF commits to continuing medical support in Central Darfur
