Sudan summons WHO official over RSF misuse of emblem

May 26, 2024 (PORT SUDAN)—The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative in Sudan Sunday to address the unauthorized use of WHO attire by a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander.

In a statement after the meeting, the foreign ministry expressed strong disapproval of the WHO’s perceived silence on the matter, suggesting this silence casts doubt on the organization’s position regarding the RSF’s alleged crimes.

The Sudanese diplomats and members of the Technical Committee for Humanitarian Aid who attended the meeting also demanded a clear condemnation from the WHO regarding the RSF’s exploitation of their emblem.

The Acting Director of the WHO office in Sudan, Hala Khidir, assured the Ministry that an official statement would be forthcoming following consultation with the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has severely exacerbated the suffering of civilians and placed immense strain on the nation’s healthcare system.