The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan, describing the current displacement situation as reaching an “immense scale.” Director General Amy Pope highlighted the critical need for increased attention and resources as reports of violence against civilians continue to surge.
Speaking from Khartoum, Sudan, in a press briefing to journalists in New York, Pope revealed alarming displacement figures. She emphasized that her visit aimed to draw urgent attention to the crisis, which is unfolding against a backdrop of unprecedented declines in global humanitarian aid.
“The numbers are constantly increasing,” Pope stated, noting that “90,000 people have been displaced from El Fasher alone in the last two and a half weeks, and 50,000 from Kordofan.” The Director General also shared harrowing accounts from those fleeing conflict zones, detailing the perilous journeys they face.
“People leaving the area report widespread violence, sexual assault, and the shooting of civilians,” she explained, underscoring the grave risks faced by vulnerable populations seeking safety.
Regarding the coordination of relief efforts among UN agencies, Pope affirmed a strong leadership role within the humanitarian community. She stressed that the primary goal is “coordinated action, to ensure that the scale of needs is widely known.”
Sudan has been gripped by armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The IOM’s warning serves as a critical call to action for the international community to provide urgent and sustained support to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
