Humanitarian teams operating in Sudan’s North Darfur region are encountering challenges due to insecurity and dwindling supplies. A United Nations agency has issued a warning, stating that civilians face the risk of a worsening crisis if pleas for increased funding and improved access to aid are not heeded.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted a significant rise in the displacement of Sudanese individuals following reports of mass killings, ethnic conflicts, and sexual violence in El Fasher and nearby areas, resulting in the displacement of over 90,000 people.

IOM’s director general, Amy Pope, emphasized the urgent need for safe access and additional funding to prevent a potential collapse of humanitarian operations precisely when communities require crucial support.

The IOM stressed the necessity for more funding to alleviate the humanitarian consequences of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The migration agency revealed that warehouses in North Darfur are nearly empty due to significant insecurity hindering aid convoys and restricting access for aid distribution. The statement issued by IOM expressed concerns that humanitarian operations are on the verge of collapse without immediate action.

Recent events, including the RSF’s capture of El Fasher, resulting in numerous casualties and mass displacements, have exacerbated the crisis. Displaced individuals are forced to undertake dangerous journeys through unsecured routes without access to essential resources like food, water, and medical assistance.

The situation has led to overcrowded displacement camps in Tawila, where displaced individuals face challenges such as inadequate shelter, limited food supplies, and insufficient medical assistance. Reports from the camps indicate dire conditions, with individuals expressing concerns over food scarcity, lack of clean water sources, and inadequate sanitation facilities.

Aid group Médecins sans frontieres (MSF) raised alarm over the “staggering” levels of malnutrition in the displacement camps, particularly among children under the age of five, with a significant portion suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The conflict has not only affected North Darfur but has also spread to other regions like Western Darfur and Kordofan, leading to further displacements and escalating humanitarian needs.

The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the military, initiated in 2023, has resulted in a significant death toll and displacement of millions of civilians. The true extent of the casualties is believed to be higher than reported by official sources.

The situation in Sudan has attracted international attention, with concerns raised over the widespread sexual violence targeting women, killings, and disappearances of children in conflict-affected areas. The need for safe spaces and essential services for women and girls remains a critical issue amid the crisis.

The declaration of famine in El Fasher and Kadugli, along with reports of continued violence and human rights abuses, underscores the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance to address the escalating crisis in Sudan.