World Vision staff remain committed to serving Darfur's children and families who are in great need, even at great personal risk.

September 27, 2007

By Maereg Tafere, Country Program Director, Sudan

World Vision has suffered several attacks in Darfur recently. Since mid-September, these attacks have escalated: two of World Vision's vehicles have been stolen, and five staff members have been fired upon. Three were shot, and one was wounded by flying glass. Thankfully, no one was killed, and the affected are recovering physically and emotionally.

World Vision condemns these attacks and renews its commitment to serve the poorest of the poor in Darfur.

World Vision Continuing Operations

We will continue to serve the people and communities in this region who are in great need. Mindful of the escalation of violence during recent days, however, we suspended operations for 48 hours, between Sept. 25 and 26.

Assessments are ongoing and visits to problem areas now are planned in coordination with other agencies. Car movement has been restricted within Nyala (South Darfur's capital) and in outlying areas; however, activities within this area have resumed.

Appropriate activities outside the Nyala area are continuing, but on a smaller scale for the next two weeks while information is gathered and analyzed. Despite the recent attacks, we also are moving ahead to begin new start-up projects for South Darfur's displaced.

World Vision's staff in Sudan welcome your prayers during this difficult time.

World Vision in Darfur

In the Darfur region of Sudan, a three-year conflict between rebel groups and the government has driven more than 2 million people into temporary camps. More than 200,000 have been killed.

World Vision is providing humanitarian assistance to 500,000 displaced people, including emergency food and water, sanitation, health, nutrition, education, and livelihood programs. We are the largest aid agency in South Darfur.