ICRC Registers 3,000 Missing Persons Requests Amid Ongoing Conflict in Sudan

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has registered 3,000 requests for missing persons amid the ongoing armed conflict in Sudan.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric disclosed this following her recent official visit to Sudan, highlighting the scale of the crisis as families seek to reconnect with loved ones.

Spoljaric explained that the ICRC, in partnership with the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), receives hundreds of messages, emails, and calls each week from people desperately searching for family members.

“Since the conflict began in April 2023, the ICRC has recorded 3,000 requests from people searching for loved ones,” she noted.

According to a press release from ICRC Public Relations Officer Aliyu Dawobe on Thursday, Spoljaric attributed the humanitarian crisis to widespread violations of the laws of war.

She noted that over eight million people have been displaced due to the fighting, with thousands losing contact with their families and millions lacking access to essential services.

Spoljaric warned that the consequences of the conflict could endure for decades if immediate action is not taken.

During her visit, Spoljaric met with General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, President of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, urging closer collaboration to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and enable access to vulnerable communities.

“The ICRC remains committed to expanding its humanitarian efforts for all affected Sudanese,” she said, emphasizing that “neutral humanitarian action must be protected to prevent further deterioration of the situation. It is the responsibility of all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure civilians have access to relief.”

The release also mentioned that Spoljaric met with SRCS leaders, President Salih El Douma and Secretary-General Aida Elsayed, at the SRCS headquarters in Port Sudan.

Deeply concerned by the critical conditions faced by millions, Spoljaric called for greater respect for humanitarian space and adherence to international humanitarian law by all parties involved in the conflict.

“The ICRC and SRCS are providing a wide range of assistance and protection services to millions of vulnerable people. However, the volatile security situation and restricted access in many parts of the country mean numerous communities bearing the brunt of the conflict do not receive the help they need,” she lamented.