The ongoing killings of civilians in several besieged Sudanese cities are preventing crucial humanitarian aid from reaching those in desperate need, according to the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan.
Speaking to DZWatch, the UN official highlighted the alarming parallels between the atrocities witnessed in El Fasher, the capital of the Darfur region, following its capture in October, and the current situation unfolding in Babnusa and Kadugli in the Kurdufan region.
Tens of thousands of civilians are fleeing the escalating violence and mass killings, with limited access to assistance. The UN official described these acts as systematic. In both El Fasher and Kurdufan, people are escaping with only the clothes on their backs. The official recounted meeting individuals who had walked over 20 kilometers from the city, facing extreme hardship.
She further stated that there are approximately 10 million people displaced by the violence who are in dire need of food, water, shelter, healthcare, and essential services for children – all of which have been largely destroyed. The UN’s ability to provide these services is severely hampered by a critical lack of funding.
To date, the organization has received only 32% of the funding requested at the beginning of the year. The crisis in El Fasher and other affected areas has placed even greater strain on resources, necessitating additional financial support.
Regarding efforts to access El Fasher, the official explained that the UN’s role is currently limited to engaging with all parties involved in the conflict. Discussions are underway, adhering to international principles, to ensure the safety of humanitarian teams and prevent attacks from armed militias.
These principles, she emphasized, require unescorted access, ensuring the ability to reach prisoners and evacuate the wounded. The UN is making its requirements clear to facilitate safe passage for all organizations into El Fasher and other affected regions.
The UN official expressed hope that a small assessment team will soon be able to enter El Fasher to evaluate the situation, but cautioned that extreme vigilance is necessary as it remains a highly dangerous environment. The humanitarian situation is dire, she concluded, with vast needs and limited resources.
