Sudan: Civilian Death Toll Triples in a Week as Violence Intensifies

Civilian Death Toll in Sudan Triples in One Week Amid Escalating Violence

The number of civilian deaths in Sudan has surged dramatically, marking a threefold increase from the previous week. At least 89 civilians lost their lives last week due to intensifying hostilities. The situation has been further exacerbated by worsening violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where a humanitarian crisis is looming, warns Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan.

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Escalation of Violence

Conflict in Sudan has escalated significantly, with artillery shelling, airstrikes, and drone attacks continuing to devastate heavily populated areas, including Khartoum, North and South Darfur, as well as North and South Kordofan.

In Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, at least 80 civilians have been killed, with reports indicating that women and children are being used as human shields.

Additionally, tensions in Blue Nile are mounting, with reports of mass mobilization for further conflict.

“The sharp rise in civilian deaths highlights the extreme dangers faced by civilians due to the continued failure of conflicting parties and their allies to protect them,” stated Seif Magango, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR).

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Humanitarian Workers Under Threat

Beyond the increasing death toll, humanitarian workers are also facing severe risks.

Local aid partners report that some volunteers have been wrongly accused of collaborating with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), making them targets of intimidation and violence.

One humanitarian worker has already received a direct death threat, and since the conflict began in April 2023, at least 57 local volunteers have been killed.

The crisis is further aggravated by severe shortages of medical supplies and food, especially in South Kordofan, where malnutrition rates are rapidly rising.

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Urgent Call for Civilian Protection

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has issued a strong appeal for all parties involved in the conflict to immediately halt indiscriminate attacks and protect civilians.

“The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, along with their allied groups and militias, must uphold their international law obligations and take concrete steps to ensure the safety of civilians, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders,” emphasized Seif Magango.

As the situation deteriorates, international attention is urgently needed to prevent further loss of innocent lives and to address the deepening humanitarian crisis in Sudan.