The conflict in Sudan that started nearly six months ago, on 15 April 2023, continues unabated. The security situation remains tense and precarious, marked by armed clashes and massive displacement. The parties to the conflict have expanded to include new armed groups such as in Kadugli town, South Kordofan, where clashes erupted in August, as well as in Darfur, where many observers point to the risk of the conflict spiralling into large-scale violence along intercommunal lines. There are also concerns that fighting reaches other major towns such as Wad Madani and Kosti, where UNHCR and other humanitarians agencies maintain an operational presence. Air strikes were reported in Al Jazirah State in August 2023, approximately 150 kilometers from Wad Madani, adding to the existing fears of intensified conflict outside of the hotspot areas. Port Sudan, which is hosting several government ministries and currently serves as the main humanitarian hub in Sudan, has also recently experienced tensions between local militias and the Sudanese Armed Forces.
Political divides continue to grow, exacerbated by the deteriorating security situation. On August 13th, the Rapid Support Forces announced plans to establish an agency to “enhance and coordinate humanitarian operations”, which could act as a parallel mechanism to the existing established government system for coordinating humanitarian aid. Tensions escalated in White Nile State, following claims by Darfur Regional Governor Mini Minawi of potential attacks on the joint forces that are currently escorting humanitarian convoys between Kosti and Darfur. Minawi further warned that Signatory Armed Movements (SAM) may change their neutral stance if attacks on civilian convoys continued. Elsewhere in Sudan, support for either SAF or RSF continues to be reported, along tribal lines and among JPA signatory armed movements. In this regard, the former SRSG for Sudan, Volker Perthes warned that security developments, including mobilization along tribal lines, as well as calls in support of the continuation of fighting could draw Sudan into a full-scale civil war.
The impact of the conflict is dire in the locations directly affected but it goes beyond to the rest of country that is witnessing mass displacement. Civilians continue to fall victims of targeted or indiscriminate attacks caused by increased use of heavy weaponry in Khartoum, South Darfur and South Kordofan states. In Khartoum, over 40 civilians were killed in one aerial attack on a market south of the city.
The security situation is hampering access to life-saving assistance and services.
Humanitarian efforts to respond are met with numerous challenges. As reported in previous editions, warehouses and property have been looted or destroyed, negatively the actual capacity to respond2. UNHCR losses in terms of NFI stock are estimated at USD 7,138,197.77, excluding other assets such as vehicles.
The rainy season is further compounding the overall humanitarian environment. Heavy rains and flooding during the month of August destroyed shelters in several “Open Areas” in Khartoum where many South Sudanese refugees continue to live. In the congested refugee and IDP sites of Kosti, the lack of sanitation coupled with heavy rains was the source of health concerns.
Source : Relief Web
