The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed deep concern over the plight of thousands of civilians in North Darfur, who have been cut off from aid due to ongoing fighting in the region. Local partners have reported that at least 2,000 families are trapped in the Qardi and Umm Saad valleys, in the Karnoi and Umm Baru areas of North Darfur. The conflict is severely hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid, prompting OCHA to call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure rapid, safe, and sustained access to those in need.
The situation is further complicated by the displacement of people in Kordofan, with the International Organization for Migration estimating that nearly 3,000 individuals were displaced between January 15 and 19 from the towns of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan State. Many of these displaced persons are heading towards areas in White Nile state, where local authorities and UN humanitarian partners have reported the arrival of nearly 2,000 people in Kosti city over the past three weeks. This influx is putting a strain on already overburdened services, with some 19,500 people having fled from Kordofan to White Nile State since late October.
The humanitarian situation in the besieged cities of Kadugli and Dilling is particularly dire, with the United Nations confirming famine conditions in Kadugli and similar levels of acute food insecurity in Dilling. The conflict has caused widespread displacement and suffering, with the United Nations and its partners in Sudan calling for $2.9 billion to fund the humanitarian needs and response plan to reach over 20 million people in need.
The situation in Sudan highlights the urgent need for humanitarian access and assistance to affected populations. The United Nations and its partners are working to provide aid to those in need, but the ongoing conflict and displacement are creating significant challenges. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that all parties prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those who need it most. The international community must also respond to the UN’s appeal for funding to support the humanitarian response in Sudan, where millions of people are relying on aid to survive.
