Arabic version: تصاعد القتال يفاقم النزوح والاحتياجات الإغاثية في السودان

According to Allafrica, ongoing conflict, displacement and funding shortages are deepening humanitarian needs in Sudan, prompting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs to renew its call for stronger protection of civilians and unhindered aid access.

OCHA highlighted growing insecurity around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, where Rapid Support Forces have effectively encircled the city and are threatening a full-scale ground assault. Civilians have been moving to El Obeid and nearby areas seeking safety and assistance. Despite severe water shortages, the UN and its partners have supplied two million litres of drinking water to about 133,000 people.

In West Darfur, fighting in Sirba locality has displaced roughly 18,000 people from more than 20 villages since last week, the International Organization for Migration reported. Most of those displaced have reportedly crossed the border into Chad.

Funding gaps are also reducing essential services. Three health facilities in Central Darfur have recently closed because of shortfalls, leaving some 75,000 displaced people without adequate access to essential health care. Sudan’s humanitarian appeal, nearly $3 billion for this year, is just over 40 per cent funded, with $1.2 billion received to date.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023 and has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. More than 30 million people need humanitarian assistance and more than nine million are displaced inside Sudan. UN officials said the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, continues engagements aimed at a cessation of hostilities and progress in negotiations.