The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan warns of escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states with significant civilian casualties reported. Tactics such as using civilians as human shields and obstructing aid are prevalent. Ongoing conflict since April 2023 poses critical humanitarian challenges, necessitating immediate action from all parties to protect civilians and allow unimpeded access to aid.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has issued a grave warning regarding escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. In a statement on Thursday, she highlighted that the recent hostilities in the capital of South Kordofan, Kadugli, have resulted in at least 80 civilian fatalities and numerous injuries.
Nkweta-Salami expressed condemnation for reported tactics including the use of women and children as human shields, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the detention of civilians, including minors. The situation in Blue Nile remains equally concerning as heightened tensions and mass mobilization raise the specter of further violence.
In her remarks, Nkweta-Salami indicated that the deterioration of security in these regions could lead to an even more profound crisis. For an extended period, civilians have struggled to access essential life-saving assistance and services due to severe shortages of medical supplies and persistent conflict.
She noted, “This is a critical moment, as the consequences of food insecurity are already being felt in parts of South Kordofan, where families are surviving on dangerously limited food supplies, and malnutrition rates are rising sharply.”
The humanitarian coordinator warned that ongoing fighting could deprive more people of vital aid, exacerbating human suffering and resulting in further fatalities. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a deadly struggle for control of the nation.
Nkweta-Salami urged all conflict parties to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and their infrastructure, and ensure safe, unrestricted access for humanitarian efforts to assist those in need.
In summary, the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states of Sudan is deteriorating rapidly, with escalating violence leading to significant civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. The UN official’s warnings emphasize the urgent need for conflict de-escalation and improved access to humanitarian aid to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
Original Source: news.un.org
