Escalating Violence Drives Two States in Sudan to the Edge of Disaster: UN
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Synopsis
The United Nations has reported that escalating violence in Sudan's South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions has placed them on the brink of catastrophe, with rising civilian casualties and critical humanitarian needs. Authorities urge immediate action to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access.
Key Takeaways
- UN reports increasing violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
- Fatalities from recent shelling in Kadugli have reached 80.
- Use of civilians as human shields condemned.
- Humanitarian needs are dire in both regions.
- Call for de-escalation and protection of civilians.
United Nations, Feb 7 (NationPress) Recent hostilities have pushed two regions of Sudan, South Kordofan and Blue Nile, to the edge of disaster, according to a UN representative.
"The number of civilian fatalities from recent shelling in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, has risen to 80, with around three dozen others injured," stated Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a daily press briefing.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN resident humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, remarked that violence is escalating at an alarming rate.
In her statement, Nkweta-Salami condemned the alleged use of women and children as human shields in Kadugli, along with the hindrance of humanitarian assistance and the detention of civilians, including minors.
The western Nuba Mountains, which span parts of South Kordofan and West Kordofan, have been flagged by the Famine Review Committee of the International Food Security Phase Classification system, or IPC, as areas facing famine.
Nkweta-Salami also pointed out that humanitarian needs in Blue Nile State remain critical amid reports of mass mobilization for conflict.
She urged all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan to de-escalate tensions, safeguard civilians and civilian structures, and permit humanitarian organizations safe and unhindered access to those in urgent need.
Recently, the most severe clashes reported outside the capital area of Khartoum have transitioned from the southern El Fasher region in Northern Darfur State to southwestern South Kordofan, as per Xinhua news agency.
On February 5, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) announced significant advancements in the capital, Khartoum, following intense confrontations with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
"Our forces achieved significant success in Khartoum, securing the entire Al-Rumaila area, a medical depot, an industrial zone, and the state’s currency mint," said SAF spokesman Nabil Abdallah in a statement.
Sudan has been engulfed in a catastrophic conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Force militia since mid-April 2023.
