Sudan’s brutal war is getting worse, with more violence, heavy rains, and people fleeing their homes creating deeper suffering for civilians caught in the fighting, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Monday, according to a press release.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces has gone on for nearly 27 months. It’s created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. OCHA is especially worried about fighting in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state. Large numbers of RSF fighters entered the city Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago. Local sources say fierce fighting has killed civilians and created a “highly volatile and unpredictable” situation.
The violence is spreading beyond El Fasher. In North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend. The UN’s International Organization for Migration reported this. Local reports show that at least 18 civilians were killed and homes were burned in several villages. This shows how the conflict continues to devastate communities across Sudan.
Heavy rains are making things worse. West and Central Darfur states have been hit by storms that make roads impassable and worsen the challenges aid workers face in reaching people who need help. The rainy season continues through October. OCHA warned that “the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low.”
Despite the crisis, some displaced families are taking risks to return home. In West Darfur state, families have been coming back from Chad to three areas – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to farm their land. Local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week. This shows how desperate people are to rebuild their lives.
OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians violate international humanitarian law and that civilians must be protected at all times. The agency urged all sides to allow safe access to people in need and called for donors to step up support. Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half Sudan’s population – need vital aid and protection this year.
