The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that two of its drivers were killed by gunmen on Thursday in South Darfur, Sudan. Three other ICRC staff were injured.
The ICRC did not identify the gunmen involved in the deadly attack.
In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, the humanitarian organization said its team was returning from Layba to assess the humanitarian situation of communities affected by armed violence in the region when the incident occurred.
“We are in deep mourning for our dear colleagues. We extend our deepest condolences to their families and hope for a speedy recovery of our injured co-workers,” said Pierre Dorbes, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan.
The ICRC pointed out that its priority is to support those most affected by this tragedy, in particular the families, relatives and colleagues of the victims.
The ICRC calls for the immediate protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel.
Since April 2023, the work of the ICRC, independently or in partnership with the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRCS), includes the supply of medical supplies to hospitals located near or in conflict zones, helping families separated by conflict stay in touch with their loved ones and promote international humanitarian law. The ICRC also works with local water authorities to improve people’s access to drinking water.
Since conflict erupted across Sudan in mid-April last year, the country has become one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult places for humanitarians to work.
The war has resulted in 15,000 deaths and more than 8.7 million people displaced, including 4.6 million children, according to the UN.
A staggering 4.9 million children under five years and pregnant and nursing women are estimated to be acutely malnourished this year.