The United Nations’ leading humanitarian official in Sudan issued a grave warning on Friday regarding the escalating crisis in Darfur, where civilians are enduring persistent violence, sexual assault, and starvation. This dire situation unfolds as aid convoys are obstructed from reaching hundreds of thousands of individuals trapped near the conflict zones, amidst ongoing clashes between the military government and the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia.
During her statements from Tawila, located 50 kilometers (approximately 31 miles) from El Fasher in North Darfur, Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown detailed the significant challenges faced in accessing affected regions.
“It took us five days, through three countries, three different airplanes, and three days of driving. We had to go around because there are so many frontlines within Sudan. It becomes very, very difficult to get where we need to go,” Brown explained.
She labeled Tawila as “one of the epicenters of a humanitarian catastrophe,” with the area now accommodating approximately 600,000 displaced individuals, primarily fleeing violence from the besieged regional capital El Fasher since April.
Nationwide, nearly 12 million people have been uprooted, marking Sudan as experiencing the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Aid Blocked, Civilians Besieged
Brown’s urgent call comes as fears mount that El Fasher, the last significant city in Darfur still under government control, may soon succumb to the RSF following over 500 days of siege.
Aid organizations report that around 260,000 civilians remain trapped without safe avenues for escape, while the RSF allegedly constructs barriers to obstruct movement and supplies. Key routes are further hindered by mines and unexploded ordnance.
Humanitarian convoys, including essential food and medical supplies, have been stalled for months. Additionally, aid workers have faced threats from combatants, with at least 120 professionals killed since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.
“Stop the violence, stop the war, let us through,” Brown asserted, emphasizing that aid workers are prepared to assist but require security guarantees to proceed.
Families fleeing the violence in Zamzam and El Fasher in North Darfur continue to seek refuge in Tawila.
Tags: humanitarian crisis, Sudan, Darfur, UN warning, catastrophic conditions
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