FIMA RELIEF MISSION

Darfur is a Sudanese province, located in the west, neighboring Libya and Chad . Its area is more than that of France , and the population are 6 million, all Muslims.

There are several medium-size cities, with universities, & medical schools. Outside the main cities, Darfur society is tribal, with occasional conflicts related to water and grazing. Nearly all the tribal people are traditionally armed as part of their nomadic life and culture.

Tribes are either from ancient African origins (e.g. The Zaghawa tribes in Darfur and in Chad ) or of Arab origin that emigrated to Sudan since ancient Islamic eras, and were assimilated by extensive intermarriages and prolonged combined life style for centuries.

 Several months ago, a tribal conflict took place in western Darfur , over local water and grazing issues. The Sudanese Government, as usual, intervened to mediate solving the conflict, and was initially successful, but, unexpectedly, a group of men, broke their subordination to their Zaghwa tribal chief, arrest him, and declared disobedience to the Sudanese government, claiming Darfur independence. They started armed attacks on villages, and police outposts. Other tribes counteracted, and same sort of tribal skirmishes erupted. Amidst all this, the innocent villagers sought refugee for their lives by immigrating to safe places, mainly near the main cities in Darfur , where the Sudanese government provided food and security. Some of the villagers near the borders with Chad , went to that country. At this time there are about 300 thousand refugees, most of them are under the Sudanese government care near the main cities of Al-Fashir, Niala and Al-Jinaina.

 The story of the so-called "Janjawid" is mainly fabricated by western media. In local Darfur expression, the "Janjawid" means the outlaws who could be of African or Arab origin, and who raid caravans or villages regardless of their origins. They have been doing that for decades. The Sudanese government dealt with them as outlaws, jailed some of them, and even amputated the hands of those caught with armed stealing!

In collaboration with the Sudan-IMA (SIMA) 4 specialist from Jordan and workers from SIMA went by plane from Khartoum to Al-Fashir city, capital of Northern Darfur . The trip took 2 hours.

Immediately the group delivered medical supplies to the main hospital, which was clearly in need for all kinds of supplies. The group started medical work, together with there Darfur counterparts. They visited the main refugee camps at Abu-Shoke, 20 km. from Al-Fashir were 42 thousands refugee reside in homes made of hay and wood, fed and protected by the government, and cared for medically by Sudanese, & Red cross personnel.

 Medical workers from Egypt were the first to come for relief, followed by Saudi Red Crescent, then Jordan.

The main medical problems encountered were: Malaria, gastroenteritis, hepatitis and malnutrition. During the whole stay, we learned about only 6 injured people who informed they were attacked in the desert by some armed man who could be outlaws or opponents of the government. It took them 2 days to be brought to the government hospital in Al-Fashir.

 Our team visited the refugee camp and was informed the main health problems were Malaria, gastroenteritis and children malnutrition.

The Red Cross hospital was empty during the time of the visit. 70 thousand refugees were assisted to leave the camp back to their villages, with government support and protection.

The team also visited the medical school at the Fashir University . They informed the team that their doctors conduct health services to the refugees whenever they obtain medical supplies. They welcomed Muslim medical teams to come to them and to conduct mutual medical work to needy refugees and villagers.

 The team received hot reception and welcome by Darfur government, health authorities, intellectuals and the local community at large.

Antibiotics, anti malarial, I.V. fluids (with giving sets, canulas & syringes), baby food, oral electrolytes and vitamins, water purification, insecticides are also needed.

Medical personnel mosted needed are:

Pediatricians, internists, ophthalmologist, surgeons and anesthetists.

Most surgeries our team dealt with were elective or long standing. Very few violence-related casualties were encountered and dealt with by Sudanese surgeons.

 Media in our countries are called upon to be careful in what they report and they cote from western media which are notorious in distortions and falsifications.

Aly A. Mishal
Relief Team Spokesman