Sudan Demands WHO to Issue Official Statement on RSF Commander’s Misuse of WHO Attire

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Sudan to address concerns over the unauthorized use of WHO attire by a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander. Sudanese diplomats and members of the Technical Committee for Humanitarian Aid demanded that the WHO condemn the RSF’s exploitation of their emblem.

According to the Sudan Ministry’s statement, the misuse compromises the organization’s neutrality and endangers the safety and effectiveness of humanitarian operations in the conflict-ridden region.

The Sudanese authorities expressed their dissatisfaction with the WHO’s perceived silence on the issue, suggesting it could be misinterpreted as complicity or indifference towards the RSF’s alleged crimes.

Hala Khidir, the Acting Director of the WHO office in Sudan, assured the Ministry that an official statement would be forthcoming.

She indicated that this statement would follow consultations with the WHO headquarters in Geneva, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive response to the issue.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began on April 15, 2023, has significantly worsened civilian suffering and overwhelmed the nation’s healthcare system.