Recent violence in southern Sudan has reportedly killed at least 80 people, prompting UN warnings of a humanitarian crisis. Clashes between the Sudanese army and SPLM-N faction have worsened conditions, with many facing food insecurity and malnutrition. The situation necessitates urgent humanitarian aid to avert famine and address the escalating humanitarian emergency affecting millions.
The United Nations announced on Thursday that escalating violence in southern Sudan has resulted in at least 80 fatalities in one city alone. Recent clashes occurred in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile between the Sudanese army and a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North, led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu. UN officials have expressed serious concerns over the humanitarian crisis that is worsening in these states.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned the use of civilians as human shields in Kadugli and highlighted the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the detention of civilians, including children. The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian emergency as the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces continue their war for dominance, which began in April 2023.
Since the war erupted, the SPLM-N faction led by Hilu has engaged in combat against both the army and paramilitary forces. Accusations of targeting civilians and launching attacks for territory control have intensified in recent days. The UN warns that this growing violence exacerbates existing humanitarian crises, leaving millions without access to essential life-saving assistance.
Conditions in South Kordofan are particularly dire, with families facing significant food shortages and rising malnutrition rates. Approximately half a million individuals are teetering on the brink of famine, as indicated by an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification assessment. Regions like the Nuba Mountains have already been identified as facing famine, showcasing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
Overall, since the conflict began in April 2023, the fighting has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced 12 million people, pushing nearly 26 million into acute food insecurity. The situation has drawn grave concern from international authorities, urging for immediate attention to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan has dramatically declined due to ongoing violence between military factions. The civil conflict that began in April 2023 has seen the Sudanese army battling the Rapid Support Forces for control of the nation. This instability has exacerbated issues of food insecurity, with millions facing severe shortages and famine conditions reported in various regions, particularly in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The involvement of various factions adds complexity, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly due to constrained aid.
In conclusion, the violence in southern Sudan has led to significant loss of life and exacerbated an already critical humanitarian situation. The United Nations has highlighted the urgent need for intervention and support, as millions are suffering from the consequences of food insecurity and conflict. The call for action is imperative to address the escalating crisis and prevent further humanitarian catastrophe in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
