UN Humanitarian Agencies Concerned by Escalating Violence in Sudan
The United Nations (UN) humanitarian agencies stated on Tuesday (22/9) that they are concerned about the increase in violence, the growing number of refugees, and the deteriorating food insecurity in Sudan.
Clashes in East Darfur and South Darfur, Sudan, have killed 13 people, paralysed market activities, and triggered further displacement, while bread prices have surged in North Darfur, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
OCHA, citing local sources, stated that clashes at the Al Borsa Market in El Daein, East Darfur, resulted in casualties and the partial closure of the market on Saturday (19/9).
On the same day, inter-community clashes at the Abuja Market in Gereida, South Darfur, were reported to have killed 13 people and caused more than 400 people to flee. Additional casualties were also reported following clashes in Nyala, South Darfur.
“Fighting in North Kordofan, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, and North Darfur continues to cause people to flee,” said OCHA. Humanitarian partners reported several thousand new displaced persons over the past week.
UNICEF stated that two warehouses in the Shikan region, North Kordlar, were hit by drone attacks on Sunday (20/9), destroying educational materials intended for distribution at the start of the school year.
UNICEF also noted that its partners reported a series of drone attacks in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, between Sunday and Monday (21/9).
OCHA stated that food insecurity continues to worsen. In the Tawila area of North Darfur, bread was reported to be unavailable in local markets for four consecutive days. Bakeries were reported to have closed on Friday (18/9) amid tensions caused by soaring bread prices.
The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that the cost of the local food basket has increased by 13 per cent compared to the previous month, reflecting a broader rise in the prices of various essential goods across the country.
OCHA has called upon all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international law, and to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need quickly, safely, and without hindrance for as long as necessary.