Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, has warned about rising violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Reports indicate at least 80 civilian deaths in Kadugli and critical humanitarian needs persist in Blue Nile. The fighting, ongoing since April 2023, endangers civilians and exacerbates food insecurity, warranting immediate action from conflict parties.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has issued a stark warning regarding escalating violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Following intense hostilities in Kadugli, at least 80 civilians have been confirmed killed, with many more injured. Nkweta-Salami condemned the use of women and children as human shields, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the detention of civilians, including minors.
In Blue Nile, critical humanitarian needs persist, with a growing threat of violence and reports of large-scale mobilization for conflict. This turmoil exacerbates existing crises, making essential assistance and services increasingly inaccessible. Nkweta-Salami highlighted the plight of families in South Kordofan, where food insecurity is prevalent, and malnutrition rates are escalating as they struggle to secure sufficient food supplies.
The ongoing conflict has dire implications for the civilian population; if hostilities persist, access to vital aid will diminish, resulting in increased suffering and loss of life. Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a brutal struggle for control in Sudan. Nkweta-Salami urged all warring parties to de-escalate, safeguard civilians and their infrastructure, and grant unhindered access to humanitarian personnel.
In summary, escalating violence in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states poses a severe humanitarian crisis, with significant loss of life and limited access to essential services. The UN’s call for conflict resolution and protection of civilians is crucial in alleviating the dire situation and preventing further suffering and deaths among the population.
Original Source: news.un.org
