The UN reports that over one million people have fled the Sudanese war into South Sudan, intensifying the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has caused significant fatalities and displacement. South Sudan, already hosting many refugees, is struggling to provide adequate resources amid a critical need for international support to assist both displaced individuals and local communities affected by the influx.
According to the United Nations, over one million individuals have fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan into neighboring South Sudan, reflecting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict, ignited in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and a paramilitary group, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced over 12 million people to abandon their homes. Recent data reveals that more than 770,000 of these migrants crossed through the Joda border crossing in the past 21 months alone.
The vast majority of those fleeing are South Sudanese nationals who previously escaped civil war in their own country. As stated by the UN refugee agency, the situation has reached a critical point, compelling many families to seek refuge. “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic and truly shows the increasing scale of this crisis,” remarked Sanaa Abdalla Omer from UNHCR.
While South Sudan has demonstrated remarkable hospitality to those in need, the resources available to support both the newcomers and local communities have become dangerously insufficient. A joint UN statement emphasized the urgent need for additional assistance, highlighting the overstretched healthcare, water, and shelter resources in South Sudan.
Currently, some transit centers in Renk county, designed for fewer than 5,000 people, are now overloaded, accommodating over 16,000 displaced individuals. Recently, violence erupted following anti-Sudanese protests, resulting in the deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals. Sudan is experiencing the worst displacement crisis globally, with famine declared in certain areas.
The conflict continues between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both factions face allegations of war crimes, including attacks on civilian populations and the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, with the RSF specifically accused of ethnic cleansing and systematic sexual violence. Research indicated that over 61,000 individuals perished from various causes associated with the conflict in the initial 14 months.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing war in Sudan has escalated dramatically, leading to a mass exodus into South Sudan. The conflict began in April 2023, creating an environment of instability and violence that has tremendously impacted both Sudanese citizens and South Sudanese individuals previously displaced by their own civil war. This situation has necessitated increased humanitarian efforts and highlighted the need for international support.
The exodus of over a million individuals from Sudan to South Sudan underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid escalating conflict and resource shortages. The unprecedented number of displaced persons presents a daunting challenge for local communities, which, despite their generosity, cannot manage this crisis alone. Continued international support is essential to address the growing humanitarian needs and prevent further deterioration of the situation in both Sudan and South Sudan.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
