During the regular briefing to journalists in New York, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric provided an update. The conflict for power between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023 has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis.
“Unimaginable violence” in El Fasher
Recently, violence escalated after RSF captured El Fasher, North Darfur state’s capital, following a year-long siege. The World Food Program (WFP) in Sudan tweeted that despite families fleeing, their teams are providing immediate aid on the ground. “We quickly deliver emergency food and nutrition products to hundreds of thousands escaping unimaginable violence and hunger,” it stated.
Access makes the difference
Mr. Dujarric mentioned confirmed famine in El Fasher and Kadugli, South Kordofan’s capital, which have limited aid access. In contrast, nine areas where WFP maintained access saw famine-like conditions reversed through sustained assistance. “WFP highlights that where conflict has eased and humanitarian operations expanded, hunger decreased, demonstrating that consistent access is crucial for recovery.”
Millions more may be affected
Currently, the UN agency provides monthly emergency food, cash, and nutrition assistance to over four million people in previously hard-to-reach areas of Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Al Jazeera. “With more resources, WFP could double its reach to eight million people monthly and further curb the risk of famine spreading,” he said. “Without additional support, this fragile progress could quickly reverse.” Mr. Dujarric called on the international community to enhance its efforts and support.
Families “lack time”
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, issued an urgent appeal for Sudanese civilians running out of time as communities face aid shortages. It highlighted the suffering of families fleeing violence and atrocities in El Fasher. “Children are hungry, parents are desperate… They need protection, security, and humanitarian access,” UNHCR stated in a tweet.
“Hostilities must end”: Guterres
This appeal followed the UN Secretary-General expressing deep concern over reports of mass atrocities in El Fasher and escalating violence in Kordofan. António Guterres addressed reporters after the joint UN and African Union (AU) annual conference in New York. “The flow of weapons and fighters from external parties must be stopped. Humanitarian aid must reach civilians in need quickly. Hostilities must cease,” he stated. The Secretary-General urged the conflicting parties to engage with his Personal Envoy for Sudan and take significant steps towards a negotiated settlement.
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