Sudan to destroy expired medicines in Darfur

March 21, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan relief agency said today it would destroy large quantities of expired medicines belonging to one of the evicted aid group in Darfur.

The Sudanese government expelled 13 aid groups from the troubled region of Darfur where some 2.7 displaced in the camps since 2004 after repressive campaigns staged by the army and government militias against a rebellion started in 2003.

According to the government sponsored news service, SMC, the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) decided to destroy important quantity of medicines found inside a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) housestore in the capital of West Darfur El-Geneina.

Health authorities plan to destroy the medicines within two days, the news service said.

Sudan accused the expelled aid groups of collaborating with the International Criminal Court (ICC). It also said resolved to sudanize the humanitarian activities in the country. The Sudanese decision is seen as defiant response to the ICC arrest warrant for Bashir.

The UN chief Ban Ki-Moon, urged Sudan to reverse its decision saying this measure would put at risk lives of the IDPs. 1.1 million people will be without food, 1.5 million without health care, and more than 1 million without drinking water, the U.N. has said.

The SMC early this week said the foreign aid groups working in Jebal Marra were involved in the building of housing to people who witnessed Darfur crimes and can help the ICC.

(ST)