UN Agency Warns of Imminent Humanitarian Collapse in North Darfur
Geneva - The United Nations migration agency issued a stark warning Tuesday, stating that North Darfur is on the brink of humanitarian collapse following escalating violence and displacement in the region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports a critical shortage of essential supplies and services, compounded by the recent surge in fighting around el-Fasher, the state capital.
The escalating conflict in Sudan, now in it’s eighth month, has triggered a devastating humanitarian crisis, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations in Darfur. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in already overcrowded camps and facing dire conditions. The situation in North Darfur is particularly acute, wiht the IOM fearing a complete breakdown of essential services if immediate action isn’t taken.
Recent clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in el-Fasher have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement. Sudanese civilians who escaped the city have crowded into camps like the one in Tawila, relying on limited food aid. The IOM is working to provide assistance, but access remains a notable challenge due to ongoing insecurity.
Global efforts to secure a ceasefire and alleviate the suffering are gaining momentum. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with Sudan’s army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan in Port Sudan on Tuesday, reaffirming Egypt’s support for Sudan’s armed forces and condemning the atrocities in el-Fasher. Abdelatty emphasized the need to adhere to the peace plan proposed in September by the U.S., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which outlines a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a nine-month political process.
The RSF stated last week they agree to the quartet’s humanitarian truce, while the army welcomes the proposal but insists on RSF withdrawal from civilian areas and disarmament as preconditions.
The conflict began in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the army and the RSF. The fighting has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in Sudan, a country already grappling with economic hardship and political instability. Edith M. Lederer contributed to this report from the United Nations.