UN warnings of worsening suffering of Sudanese displaced and calls to stop escalation
The UN warns that escalating drone attacks in Sudan's Kordofan region have exacerbated the suffering of displaced populations, urging parties to ensure unhindered humanitarian access.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan, particularly in the Kordofan region. The increase in drone attacks has led to significant population displacement, with over 115,000 individuals forced to flee since October, as civil infrastructure and humanitarian resources are placed under intense threat. The UN is calling for immediate action to allow safe and unobstructed access for humanitarian aid to those in need across Sudan.
Recent airstrikes have hit public and humanitarian facilities directly, raising alarms about civilian safety. A drone strike reportedly targeted a mosque in the town of Al-Rahad, resulting in the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to thirteen others—many of whom are students. Furthermore, a World Food Programme storage facility in Kadugli was hit by suspected shelling, adding to the ongoing crisis by damaging essential supplies needed for aid distribution. The situation is further aggravated by strikes on educational institutions in the vicinity, highlighting a worrying pattern of attacks that threaten not just livelihood, but the education and future of the younger population.
The international community's focus on the conflict in Sudan remains paramount as these developments unfold. The UN's appeal serves as a reminder of the urgent need for conflict resolution and stabilization in the region, advocating cooperation among all parties involved. Without immediate action, the humanitarian situation is expected to worsen drastically, as more families are disrupted and in need of assistance. The calls for a pause in hostilities are critical in ensuring that humanitarian efforts can resume and communities can begin to rebuild amidst the chaos.