In El Geneina, it is estimated that at least around 500 people have been killed since the fighting began, and that a similar number of wounded remain trapped in the city, unable to access lifesaving treatment.
Moussa Ibrahim, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) logistics supervisor in El Geneina crossed into Adré, Chad, to oversee activities with our teams and assess potential logistical support for West Darfur. Below he describes the situation on the ground.
"Since July 2021, I have held the position of logistics supervisor with MSF and have been living in El Geneina. My visit to Chad aimed to closely establish coordination with the our teams based in Adré, who have been on standby and ready to intervene and support local initiatives wherever possible.
The path from El Geneina to Chad is riddled with dangers as armed groups often patrol and can stop you on your route. The consequences of the escalating conflict are devastating, with attacks on humanitarian organisations, police headquarters where weapons were stolen, and civilian locations like the local market and the main university.
In these harrowing circumstances, the hospital we supported El Geneina was also looted. All the medical materials were taken, and parts of the hospital were destroyed.
As a humanitarian logistician, it's heartbreaking to witness the efforts we developed for years, now shattered. Moussa Ibrahim, MSF logistics supervisor in El Geneina
As a humanitarian logistician, it's heartbreaking to witness the efforts we developed for years, now shattered. For years, we provided medical assistance to all communities in West Darfur, who, due to frequent violent disturbances, would otherwise have no access to healthcare.
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In El Geneina Teaching Hospital, we managed the paediatric and nutrition inpatient departments, infection prevention control measures, and water and sanitation services. Over the years, we witnessed a steady stream of patients coming not just from El Geneina city and the nearest camps for displaced families, but from all over West Darfur.
Movement in the city is currently limited to the area around one's house, due to the risk of random shootings, snipers, and carjackings. Access to basic things like water is burdened with dangers, and the task of retrieving bodies from the streets has become impossible.
This situation is unbearable and requires urgent intervention. The negotiations between community leaders and all warring parties must be ensured to bring an end to this horrific situation. Moussa Ibrahim, MSF logistics supervisor in El Geneina
During the first days of the fighting, the Red Crescent was able to collect dead bodies from the streets, however, as the situation worsened, this has no longer been possible. A few days ago, access was finally gained, but by that point the bodies had decomposed to the extent that they couldn't be removed. Now, the best that can be done is to gather the bodies in a single location.
This situation is unbearable and requires urgent intervention. The negotiations between community leaders and all warring parties must be ensured to bring an end to this horrific situation.
In order to facilitate humanitarian operations in Sudan, sparing civilian lives and ensuring the safety of medical personnel and health facilities are absolutely imperative."
