At least 80 people have been killed in recent violence in southern Sudan, with the UN warning that two states are on the verge of catastrophic conditions. The conflict involves the Sudanese army and factions of the SPLM-N. Humanitarian aid has been obstructed, and food insecurity has intensified, affecting millions. The situation calls for immediate attention as tensions continue to rise in the region.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding two states in southern Sudan facing impending catastrophe after violence erupted, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 individuals in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan. This recent uptick in fighting involves the national army and factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu. The violence poses significant threats to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the region.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned the reported practices of using women and children as human shields, obstructing humanitarian assistance, and detaining civilians, including minors. The ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has escalated tensions, leading to dire humanitarian repercussions across the affected areas.
Accusations between the army and SPLM-N regarding attacks targeting civilians have intensified as both sides vie for territorial control. The escalating violence compounds existing humanitarian challenges, leaving millions without access to essential aid and contributing to alarming rates of food insecurity. Additionally, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates that nearly half a million individuals are nearing famine in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
Famine conditions have already been declared in parts of the Nuba Mountains, where SPLM-N maintains a presence. The widespread conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities and displaced an alarming 12 million people, further exacerbating acute food insecurity for nearly 26 million individuals across the country.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan stems from a power struggle between various factions, primarily the national army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has escalated into violence since April 2023. The SPLM-N, particularly the faction led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, has engaged in confrontations with both the army and the Rapid Support Forces. This conflict has significantly impacted the humanitarian landscape in southern Sudan, resulting in high casualties and severe food insecurity for millions of citizens, particularly in the states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
In conclusion, the recent violence in southern Sudan, which has claimed numerous lives and exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis, underscores the urgent need for peace and intervention. The actions of armed groups, including the use of civilians as shields, have further impeded humanitarian aid efforts. As the situation develops, the international community must remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of those affected by this escalating conflict.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
