Darfur : Resurgence of violence forces expatriate staff of Medecins du Monde to evacuate Jebel Mara

Paris, february 12th

Violent fighting has forced expatriate teams from Médecins du Monde yesterday to evacuate the mountainous area of Jebel Mara in which they have worked since 2008. The battles took place in the localities of Leiba and Kidingeer. The Sudanese medical staff of health facilities supported by Médecins du Monde continues to ensure the continuation of primary health care, maternal and child health, and nutrition activities.

In the generally tense context of Sudan, MdM is concerned about the upsurge of violence in the Jebel Mara, which has persisted since the end of December 2009.

The direct impact on the people of Jebel Mara, previously partially spared from the violence of the conflict in Darfur, is currently difficult to measure. Médecins du Monde is concerned about the possible displacement of civilians and access to care for victims of the violence.

Médecins du Monde asks all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, especially as regards the protection and access to care without discrimination for the civilians in Jebel Mara.




Press contact (Paris HQ)
Annabelle Quénet, Florence Priolet
+ 33 1 44 92 14 32-31 / + 33 6 09 17 35 59
infomdm@medecinsdumonde.net
www.medecinsdumonde.org