DRC scales up its regional response as the conflict in Sudan shows no sign of abating

DRC launched its Regional Response Plan aiming to address the most urgent needs of people affected by the conflict in Sudan, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

Despite several ceasefires, the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to have devastating consequences on civilians. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, close to 1.4 million people have been pushed into displacement in search of safety, including over 343,000 people across international borders.

Relying on its strong operational presence, DRC is committed to responding to the unfolding crisis not only within Sudan but also in neighboring countries including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Central African Republic, as well as in Chad through partners.

In Sudan, DRC continues to operate in Gedaref and South Kordorfan with the provision of life-saving assistance and deployed emergency teams to participate in protection and assessments. In South Sudan, DRC deployed its Mobile Response Teams to Renk and other entry points to provide critical lifesaving assistance to new arrivals – including large numbers of South Sudanese refugees who were forced to return as a consequence of the conflict. Mobile Response Teams were also deployed in CAR to conduct needs assessments.

As the number of people displaced by the conflict is expected to continue to grow both internally and across borders, DRC is scaling up its regional response as detailed in its USD 17.2 million, 6-month Regional Response Plan.

During the first three months of the response, DRC will focus on providing lifesaving support to those who are displaced and have lost their homes and livelihoods, and have little in the way of coping mechanisms. As soon as the conditions allow, early solutions and early recovery activities will complement, where possible, emergency interventions.