Medical workers in South Kordofan strike over army intimidations
March 27, 2021 (KHARTOUM) – Medical workers in the capital of South Kordofan are on strike after repeated abuse of authority and intimidation against them by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).
“Since 17th March 2021, Kadogli civil hospitals workers have been on strike due to intimidation of medical personnel by SAF soldiers,” said a local rights group Hudo in a statement extended to the Sudan Tribune.
A SAF force under the command of an officer known as Al-Jox halted an ambulance of Kadugli Referral Hospital was transporting a female doctor and nurses back home after their duty during the night at about 10:15 pm on 12th March 2021.
Al-Jox halted the ambulance and allegedly intimidated the medical workers under the pretext they were travelling during the curfew time.
He released them almost one hour after insulting and denied their right to move during the curfew for professional reasons.
The practitioners and medical staffers had received assurance from the state authorities they would be exempt from the curfew and would be allowed to return their home or come to the hospitals freely during the night.
The same officer had opened fire inside Kadugli Teaching Hospital on 31 January to intimate the medical personnel.
Hudo said two complaints were two police complaints were filed against this army officer but refused to go to the police for interrogation despite being summoned twice.
“Also, there has been no response from the state governor towards the current status while the health workers demanding a rule of law,” said Hudo.
The rights group has called on the Sudanese government to hold to account the SAF officer accountable for the alleged abuse of authority, and intimidation of the medical workers.
(ST)