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Sudan Tribune

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Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups

March 4, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan has expelled 10 humanitarian groups Darfur today after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for the President Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.

The ten foreign NGOs concerned by the expulsion are: Oxfam, CARE, MSF-Holland, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, the Norweigan Refugee Council, the International Rescue Committee, Action Contre la Faim, Solidarites, and CHF International.

The Sudanese government Wednesday ordered the10 humanitarian group to leave Sudan saying they were involved in collaboration with the ICC investigation in Darfur crimes.

Further Sudanese authorities dissolved two local organizations: Khartoum Center for Development and Environment and Amal Center for Rehabilitation of Violence Victims. The decision of dissolution said the two NGOs violated its mission as humanitarian organizations.

Khartoum center expressed fears that the ICC arrest warrant would cause “widespread targeting of Sudanese civil society organizations and activists involved in the field of human rights.”

Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha confirmed the expulsion of the 10 NGOs indicating that “Whenever an organization takes humanitarian aid as a cover to achieve a political agenda that affects the security of the county and its stability, measures are to be taken by law to protect the country and its interests.”

Aid organization stressed they are independent bodies that has no link with the ICC. They further said that this move comes in a times where the Darfur civilians are in dire need for their aid.

“This comes at a time when meningitis cases have been confirmed in Niertiti and Kalma camp, temporary home to 90,000 internally displaced persons,” said MSF in a statement issued today.

UN chief Ban Ki Moon said the expulsion “represents a serious setback to lifesaving operations in Darfur.” He also urged the Sudanese government to reverse over its decision.

In a talk show at the “France 24” TV the spokesperson of the French foreign ministry, also urged the Sudan to overturn its decision saying these organizations provide necessary aid to the displaced who suffer from violence and insecurity since six years.

According to the UN, some 300,000 people have died and 2.7 million have fled their homes in the war torn region of Darfur since 2003. The displaced are living in camps disseminated throughout the troubled region.

Oxfam said its departure will affect more than 600,000 Sudanese who receive vital humanitarian and development aid. While Save the Children UK said supporting around 50,000 Darfuri children.

Aid agencies described the eviction as deeply regretful but expressed some hopes that the decision would be reversed.

“This is a devastating blow to the many people of Sudan who rely upon NGOs for both immediate survival, and help in building more prosperous and stable futures for their families,” stated Mercy Corps President Nancy Lindborg.

“We sincerely hope that this decision will be reversed so we can get back to the critical business of saving and improving lives,” he added.

(ST)

7 Comments

  • Nile
    Nile

    Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups
    I knew this shamed gov’t will do that, but let be if that’s what it takes for people of Sudan to be safe.

    Reply
  • Mr Network
    Mr Network

    Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups

    Bashir with his mindless tought trying to escating his problem with other neutral bodies which have no connection with ICC decision and goofy women on streets are supporting him over judges case,why are you so confusing yourselves about this up site down man.Reverse your decision otherwise you are refueling more fuel in the engige to drive you off the road,your date is your date just go peaceful and summitte yourself to ICC or commite suices earth are no long to recieve you but heaven in the hell

    Reply
  • Kur
    Kur

    Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups
    To expel NGO’s will not help Bashir from going to The Hague. The only thing you guys can do is to remove him from presidential palace and send him to prison, and let Mr. Kiir takeover the leadership of the country. We do not have time for criminals to hold important office in Sudan anymore.

    Thank you ICC.

    Kur

    Reply
  • Chol Manyiel
    Chol Manyiel

    Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups
    Bashir, chasing NGOs away even if in the entire Sudan has nothing to do with resolution of your arrest warrant. I mean, even if you chase the NGOs away you wouldn’t be spare by ICC. Your warrant of arrest will not be reversed.
    It has become worse the end then its beginning to you today. There is no smoke without fire. The fire that you lit has got its smoke.

    Reply
  • Joseph
    Joseph

    Sudan expels 10 aid NGOs and dissolves 2 local groups
    The expelled of NGOs from Sudan particular in Darfur is evidence to the crime, becuase it will affect the people of Darfur.

    Reply
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