Agency Renews Medical Provision in Abyei As Thousands Flee

28 May 2011

Juba — The international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said it has renewed its efforts to provide medical assistance to thousands of people displaced in the aftermath of the violence in Sudan’s disputed region of Abyei.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune from Agok, 40km south of Abyei town, Raphael Gorgeu, MSF’s head of mission described the situation among displaced civilians as “alarming” and appealed for more intervention from other humanitarian agencies.

“We have witnessed a massive movement of people out of Agok towards the south, mainly women and children,” he said by phone. He added that: “The populations of both Abyei and Agok have been displaced and are spread out in several different areas such as Turalei, Mayen-Abun and on the road to Agok.”

Gorgeu’s statement comes nearly a week after MSF evacuated its staff from Abyei, citing security fears in the region. The disputed oil-producing was occupied by the northern army – the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) – on May 21 after the South Sudan army (SPLA) attacked a UN-escorted SAF convoy.

South Sudan will become independent in July following a referendum but tensions have risen in Abyei after a simultaneous plebiscite did not place over the future of the region.

But while a UN assessment report put the figure of those displaced between 30,000 and 40,000, officials from South Sudan say the numbers of those displaced has nearly tripled since the incident occurred a week ago.

The MSF head of mission said there were visible signs of severe dehydration among the children displaced from the Abyei, especially within the areas located on the roads between Turalei and Agok, where the displaced people are reportedly scattered.

Despite relocating out Abyei immediately after the SAF occupation MSF continued to provide assistance to displaced as they fled the area.

“There are severe signs of dehydration among many children who are on the move. We are very concerned about the harsh conditions the displaced population has to endure on the roads. Their health condition can deteriorate rapidly if assistance is not delivered promptly. Our efforts are oriented towards delivering assistance in an effective and timely manner,” said Gorgeu.

According to the MSF head of mission, the organization has swiftly responded by setting up a rehydration point within Agok hospital, while most of the inpatients in Agok were reportedly discharged and given two weeks’ rations of ready-to-use therapeutic food.

The hospital, he further said, continues to provide basic health care services to the population in the region and that the organization is already setting up a base in Turalei town to support surgical activities in an existing health centre. Also being provided are medical supplies and basic non-food items such as shelters, mosquito nets, soap and plastic sheets.

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