Sudan Violence Kills Civilians, Displaces Thousands, UN Warns
UN reports civilian deaths and mass displacement in Sudan as fighting disrupts aid and health services.
The United Nations has issued a fresh warning over the escalating conflict in Sudan, stating that ongoing violence continues to claim civilian lives and drive families from their homes.
In North Kordofan State, local authorities reported that more than a dozen civilians were killed and several others injured during clashes in Um Arada, located southwest of the state capital El Obeid, on Friday. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded over 4,200 people displaced from the town and its surrounding areas over the weekend.
The intensifying violence in North Kordofan is also crippling humanitarian operations. Aid partners have been forced to suspend activities and health services in Al Mazroub for more than two weeks, a region already grappling with a cholera outbreak.
Meanwhile, in Blue Nile State, renewed fighting was reported last week in Geisan, Kurmuk, and nearby areas. The IOM estimates that approximately 5,400 people have been displaced in that region in recent days.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, reiterated the organisation's appeal to all parties involved. "We once again call on all parties to protect civilians, to protect civilian infrastructure, and to allow aid to reach people quickly, and safely and without obstruction," he said.
Despite the challenging security environment, humanitarian efforts continue. The World Food Programme (WFP) successfully reached about 2.3 million people with food assistance across the Darfur region in July.
However, the broader response remains critically underfunded. The UN's humanitarian appeal for Sudan this year is only 41 percent funded, with $1.2 billion received against the $2.9 billion required to meet the escalating needs.