By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro
The spokesperson for the United Nation’s Secretary-General said on Monday that the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains “extremely worrying.
“”We are especially deeply concerned about the impact of violence on civilians in and around the Zamzam displacement camp in Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur,” said Stéphane Dujarric.
Zamzam is one of the areas in Sudan where famine has been seen.Following the escalation of hostilities in Zamzam over the past week, about 5,500 people were displaced and sought safety and shelter in Shamal Jabal Marrah locality in Central Darfur, according to Dujarric.
“There were also reports of others seeking to leave the area being prevented from doing so, due to the intensity of the fighting and key exit routes being blocked,” he said.
Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters have besieged the city of El Fasher, capital of North Darfur province for nearly a year in an attempt to capture it from government forces.
What Is Happening In Sudan
Sudan is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to an ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023.
The conflict has led to widespread displacement, with over 12.5 million people forced from their homes, and has significantly disrupted food production and trade, resulting in famine conditions in several regions.
The United Nations has reported famine in at least five locations, including camps in al-Fashir, North Darfur, and the Nuba Mountains, with projections indicating that approximately half of Sudan’s population, about 24.6 million people, will urgently need food aid until May 2025.
In response to the escalating crisis, the UN has appealed for $6 billion in international aid to alleviate the “appalling” suffering in Sudan.
This funding aims to provide essential assistance to nearly 21 million people affected by the conflict.
The situation is further complicated by bureaucratic obstacles imposed by both warring parties, hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid and resulting in only 10% of affected individuals receiving assistance in the past three months.
The conflict has also intensified recently, with reports indicating that RSF attacks have resulted in over 200 civilian deaths in the past three days.
These attacks have predominantly occurred in regions where the RSF maintains control, despite losing ground to the SAF in central Sudan.
Amidst the turmoil, Sudan has confirmed an agreement allowing Russia to establish a naval base on its Red Sea coast. This development, formalized during a visit by Sudan’s foreign minister to Moscow, signifies a strategic alliance, with Russia formally aligning with Sudan’s army as they pursue a final offensive against the RSF.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with various humanitarian organizations striving to provide aid despite significant challenges.
The ongoing conflict, coupled with natural disasters such as recent flooding, has exacerbated the dire conditions, making relief efforts increasingly urgent.
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