Khartoum/Geneva — The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today facilitated the handover of two members of the Sudanese armed forces released by the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). The released soldiers were placed in the care of the Sudanese authorities in North Darfur.

The ICRC, in its capacity as a neutral intermediary, assisted in the transfer of the soldiers at the request of the JEM and the Sudanese authorities. "Our delegates met with the soldiers and made sure they arrived safely in Al-Fashir," said Jean-Christophe Sandoz, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan. "We stand ready to provide support for any similar operation in the future, should the need arise."

In April the ICRC assisted in the repatriation of 13 Sudanese prisoners of war released by the South Sudanese authorities, and in September it repatriated 19 South Sudanese prisoners of war released by Sudan. In November, it facilitated the handover of three Sudanese soldiers released by an armed group in Darfur.

The ICRC has been working in Sudan since 1978. In 2004 it extended its operations to Darfur, where it provides assistance for victims of the armed conflict and other violence.