IFRC: Sudanese Red Crescent Volunteer Killed in Blue Nile, 25 Dead Since War Began

KHARTOUM – A Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteer was killed while providing first aid in Blue Nile State, bringing to 25 the number of the organization’s volunteers killed on duty since Sudan’s war began in April 2023, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said.

The IFRC identified the volunteer as Baderaldain Omer Musa Ibrahim, 33, a member of the Sudanese Red Crescent emergency team in Blue Nile who had served with the organization for six years.

Baderaldain was providing first aid at a health centre in the Um Darfa area on Oct. 13 when he was killed following a reported bombing, the federation said. It did not identify who was responsible for the attack or provide further details on the circumstances.

Blue Nile has seen renewed fighting and displacement in recent weeks as Sudan’s conflict spreads across several fronts, placing civilians, health workers and humanitarian responders at increased risk.

The IFRC said Baderaldain’s death underscored the dangers facing humanitarian personnel and volunteers working in conflict-affected communities.

“Attacks against humanitarian personnel are unacceptable,” the federation said, calling on all parties to respect and protect humanitarian workers and allow them to carry out life-saving activities safely.

The Sudanese Red Crescent has maintained emergency and health operations in areas affected by fighting, displacement and disease outbreaks despite insecurity and severe pressure on humanitarian access.

According to Sudanese Red Crescent figures cited by the IFRC, 25 volunteers have been killed while on duty since the conflict began on April 15, 2023.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, disrupting health services and exposing aid workers and volunteers to attacks and other security risks.

The IFRC extended condolences to Baderaldain’s family, colleagues and fellow volunteers, saying his contribution to communities in Blue Nile would be remembered across the Red Cross and Red Crescent network.