MSF demands investigation into bombing of its facility in Yemen

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) yesterday called on the Arab coalition to reconsider the results of the investigation into the bombing of its facility in the Yemeni Hajjah Governorate.

In a statement published on its website, the organisation expressed its disappointment with the findings of the team appointed by the Saudi-led coalition in June to investigate the bombing of the organisation’s cholera treatment centre in the Abs District in Hajjah Governorate.

The statement called for reviewing the results of the investigation and the “false” allegations against MSF.

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The statement added that “the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT), made various unacceptable and contradictory claims that portray MSF as responsible for, rather than a victim of, the bombing..”

“It is the sole responsibility of armed parties to the conflict to proactively take all necessary measures to ensure that protected facilities are not attacked. The onus cannot be on civilians and medical staff.”

It was not possible to get an immediate comment on the matter by the Arab Coalition, which had previously stressed its continued keenness to ensure the safety of civilians, facilities, and public services.

Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab alliance against the Houthis who control the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, and several other governorates, with the aim of restoring the government of UN-backed President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.