UN concern over humanitarian situation in Sudan

By Nathan Morley

The United Nations has expressed alarm over the humanitarian situation in Sudan.

The UN is increasingly concerned as paramilitary troops move closer to capturing the entire western region of Darfur.

It is estimated the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Sudan has reached 25 million, a figure which amounts to more than half the population.

Toby Harward, deputy humanitarian co-ordinator for Darfur for the UN’s refugee agency UNHCR said it was a catastrophic situation, which is getting worse. He added hundreds of thousands of civilians and displaced people are now in great danger in El Fasher.

Over the last month, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has seized Nyala, Sudan’s second-largest city, and most of the five federal states comprising Darfur.

Fierce battles are raging in El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital.

The RSF has been battling the Sudanese Armed Forces for control of the country since fighting broke out in mid-April.

The latest round of negotiations in Jeddah between the warring parties ended this week without a ceasefire deal.

Sudan has been witnessing brutal armed clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF since April 15, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.

Since the conflict erupted, day-to-day living has become increasingly difficult amid frequent power outages. Compounding matters, prices for staple goods have shot up and there is a dearth of imported goods such as flour and cooking oil.

The United Nations has previously said the worsening situation is having a negative impact on neighboring countries, many of which are coping with their own crises.