More aid needed in Sudan
2005-11-24 08:08
Geneva - The international Red Cross said on Wednesday that western Sudan needed more humanitarian aid because of violent clashes in recent weeks that had forced some 15 000 people to flee their homes.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said thousands of people had arrived at Gereida camp in the Sudan state of Darfur after recent fighting, which forced people to flee more than 20 villages.
ICRC said: "All were hungry, frightened and exhausted after their ordeal."
The Geneva-based organisation said it was boosting food shipments to the region and distributing clothes, blankets and soap as well as tarpaulins for shelter to the camp residents.
'Temporary solutions'
Because the number of displaced people in Gereida had now reached 60 000 - three times the local population - the ICRC said water was scarce, but it was seeking "temporary solutions" until existing wells could be extended or new ones built.
The Darfur conflict begun in February 2003 after rebel groups took up arms against the government, accusing it of neglect and repression of Sudanese of African origin.
The government was accused of supporting a counter-insurgency led by an Arab militia group.
The United Nations estimated that 180 000 people had died in the conflict, mainly through famine and disease. Several million more had either fled into neighbouring Chad or inside Sudan.
UN secretary-general Kofi Annan reported on Monday to the security council that Darfur had seen "a dangerous increase" in violence in recent months that had affected the delivery of humanitarian aid and claimed the lives of civilians.
- AP