Escalating Violence in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile States
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan warns that South Kordofan and Blue Nile states are nearing catastrophe due to escalating violence, with significant civilian casualties. Humanitarian needs are critical, worsened by obstructed access to aid and severe food insecurity. Continued hostilities threaten to deepen the crisis, prompting a call for de-escalation and civilian protection.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The recent hostilities in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 civilians, along with numerous injuries. Public outcry has emerged regarding the use of women and children as human shields, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the detention of civilians, particularly children.
In Blue Nile, the humanitarian situation is similarly dire, with rising tensions and reports of mass mobilization for conflict exacerbating the already critical humanitarian needs. Ms. Nkweta-Salami noted that insecurity has significantly hindered civilians’ access to essential life-saving assistance and basic services due to shortages of medical supplies and limited humanitarian access amidst ongoing conflict. She emphasized that civilians face life-threatening food insecurity in South Kordofan, where many are subsisting on dangerously limited food supplies, leading to rising malnutrition rates.
The UN official warned that continued hostilities would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, leaving more individuals without vital aid, intensifying human suffering, and resulting in additional loss of life. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have engaged in fierce combat for dominance over the nation. She urged all conflicting parties to de-escalate tensions, prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.
In summary, the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states of Sudan is deteriorating rapidly due to escalating violence. The UN Humanitarian Coordinator warns of severe food insecurity, a lack of medical supplies, and a critical need for humanitarian access. Urgent action is necessary to protect civilians and provide life-saving assistance, as continued conflict poses a grave threat to the lives of many individuals in these regions.
Original Source: news.un.org
