“We are forced to choose who we save and who we do not”complained to Agence France-Presse (AFP), head of logistics deployment for NGO Handicap International. Jérôme Bertrand returns from three weeks in the field assessing the logistical needs for aid deliveries destined for civilians caught up in the war.
In Sudan, the conflict pitting the army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023 has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions, causing what the UN describes as a disaster. “the world’s worst humanitarian crisis”This has been exacerbated in Darfur by the mass exodus of refugees since the strategic town of El-Fasher was captured by the RSF at the end of October.
“This is a choice, an inhumane dilemma, that humanitarian actors must make and it is completely contrary to our values.”said Jérôme Bertrand, adding that his team was superior “children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers hope that others can survive”.
Its mission is to facilitate emergency operations, to provide the best response “huge need”. All without a functioning airport, via roads frequently traveled in the rainy season, with “administrative obstacles” on the Chadian border – currently the only access to Darfur –, costs are prohibitive and international funding is insufficient.
Daily life is characterized by insecurity and lack of resources
“All the supplies for an area the size of France with eleven million inhabitants were, in part, carried on the back of a donkey”he explained while emphasizing “state of anarchy”, “complete absence of state structure”, “lots of bandits”security tensions and on the road, “extortion, theft, assault, arrest”.
In Tawila, a city of refuge, which currently hosts more than 650,000 civilians from the El-Fasher or Zamzam camps, in the hands of the FSR, Bertrand saw “people who have nothing left” when “Humanitarian actors are unable to meet all these needs”.
The suspension of some American aid (USAID) resulted in losses “70%” resources in Darfur and “only a quarter of what is needed” is now being treated, according to him. He also explained “80,000 people left behind” on the road, violated, extorted, sometimes ransomed, and for those who arrive at Tawila, “signs of malnutrition, torture wounds” or the impact of “ball”.
The international community abandons armed groups “kill each other”he believes. “Next time (…) we will have a UN resolution that will send interposition troops”.
