Sudans humanitarian crisis deepens amid escalating conflict UN warns

PORT SUDAN – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised serious concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to displace civilians, destroy infrastructure, and restrict access to essential aid.

OCHA is urging all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The agency emphasizes that safe and unhindered humanitarian access is critical to reaching those affected by the war, which has now entered its third year, without immediate action, the number of causalities and displaced people is expected to grow significantly.

The humanitarian needs across Sudan are escalating at a rapid peace. in West Kordofan alone, more than 36,000 people have been newly displaced, many of whom have already experienced displacement earlier in the conflict. These individuals are once again forced to flee their homes, often with little more than what they can carry, as violence reaches previously stable areas.

In North Darfur, insecurity has also intensified. more than 2,000 people were recently forced to leave Abu Shouk camp and nearby parts of El Fasher due to raising violence. These new displacement are adding to the already overwhelming burden on humanitarian services in the region. over the past month alone, approximately 400,000 people have fled from Zamzam camp, further highlighting the scale of the crisis in North Darfur.

The food security situation is becoming increasingly dire. prices of staple grain such as sorghum and millet have surged to more than four times their pre-conflict levels, placing basic food items beyond the reach of most families. This dramatic increase in prices  has severely impacted the purchasing power of ordinary citzens, many of whom were already living in poverty before the war began.

According to the UN’s latest assessments, more than half of Sudan’s population– around 24.6 million people– are now facing acute hunger. The food crisis is especially severe among displaced communities and vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and the people with disabilities. malnutrition is expected to rise sharply if urgent food assistance is not delivered soon.

Access constraints remain one of the biggest challenges for aid agencies trying to reach those in need. Insecurity, roadblocks, and bureaucratic restrictions are all contributing to delays in the delivery of critical supplies such as food, medicine, and clean water. the destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and warehouses, has further complicated humanitarian operations.

OCHA is calling for immediate and coordinated international action to support relief efforts and prevent further deterioration of the situation. The agency stresses that time is running out, and the world must act quickly to provide the resources and political pressure needed to protect civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach all areas of Sudan affected by the conflict.

As displacement increases and the economy continues to collapse Sudan is now at risk of entering a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe unless the fighting stops and comprehensive aid operations are allowed to proceed without obstruction.

sudanspost.com