Darfur raid unsettling for TEAR Fund’s aid worker

The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund

PRESS RELEASE
July 23 2009

Darfur raid unsettling for TEAR Fund’s aid workers

Staff of one of TEAR Fund New Zealand’s partners in Sudan are shaken after a terrifying raid on their compound in which an international staff member was injured by shrapnel.

The recent raid on Medair’s compound in El Geneina, West Darfur, has come on the heels of another attack in Darfur in which two women were kidnapped from another NGO’s compound. This has highlighted just how dangerous and difficult humanitarian aid is to deliver in Darfur, said TEAR Fund programmes director Esther Ducai.

It is fortunate nobody was killed but important communications and IT equipment were stolen, she said. The injured staff member received immediate medical attention at a United Nations medical facility and a full recovery is expected.

The compound provides a base for expatriate staff who provide essential health and water services to more than 200,000 conflict-affected people in this remote part of Sudan. This vital work includes supporting 20 primary health care facilities and providing safe drinking water.

“Medair is the longest serving operational NGO in El Geneina, having worked tirelessly in West Darfur since 2001,” said Michael Sidman, Medair’s desk officer for the Northern States of Sudan.

“It is fortunate that our colleague suffered only minor injuries, but this situation could easily have been much worse, he said. “If our staff are not safe staying in the town, it will be difficult for us to sustain our life-saving activities at this critical time. Our staff and assets should be protected and respected.”

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