UN: Over 136,000 Displaced as Fresh Fighting Erupts in Southeast Sudan
The latest displacement adds to the burden of areas already hosting approximately 286,000 displaced individuals before the escalation of clashes in late June.
NEW YORK— The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported Saturday that renewed fighting in southeast Sudan has forced more than 136,000 people to flee their homes, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, writes Winston Mwale.
"People are facing multiple protection risks and have reported widespread looting of homes and personal possessions," OCHA said in a flash update.
The latest displacement adds to the burden of areas already hosting approximately 286,000 displaced individuals before the escalation of clashes in late June.
This suggests that many of the newly displaced from Sennar state may have already been uprooted at least once before.
Widespread Looting and Insecurity
Reports indicate that members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are allegedly responsible for extensive looting of homes, vehicles, and personal belongings.
Local shops and markets have also been targeted, further destabilizing the region and depriving civilians of essential resources.
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF, which began in April 2023, stems from escalating tensions related to the country's transition towards civilian governance.
Displacement by the Numbers:
Over 136,000 newly displaced from Sennar state
26,000 people (including 6,800 children) arrived in Gedaref state
1,000 people reached reception centers in Kassala state
Over 30,000 people arrived in Blue Nile state
UN Response and Ongoing Challenges
UN humanitarian teams are scaling up their response to meet the growing needs:
Distribution of ready-to-eat meals and drinking water
Provision of basic health services through mobile clinics
Support for a common kitchen capable of feeding about 15,000 people
However, OCHA emphasized that despite these efforts, more assistance is urgently required to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The influx of displaced people is straining resources in host communities, with many seeking shelter in already overcrowded school buildings.
"Even as humanitarian partners are expanding their response in the wake of heightened displacement, more assistance is required to meet increasing needs," OCHA stated.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and the underlying political tensions fueling the conflict.