Fighting in North Darfur triples displacement amid Sudan crisis

Fighting in the capital of North Darfur, el-Fasher, has significantly increased the number of displaced persons this year in Tawila, a town approximately 60 kilometers away. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), el-Fasher's population has decreased by 62% this year due to ongoing conflict.

The conflict, involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the military, began in 2023 following tensions between the groups. The fighting has led to at least 40,000 casualties and displaced up to 12 million people, with over 24 million facing acute food insecurity, as reported by the World Food Program.

El-Fasher remains a crucial military stronghold in Darfur, a region heavily impacted by the violence. The displacement and conflict have severely limited access to essential services, including clean water, nutrition, and health care.

Sudan's Health Minister, Haitham Ibrahim, indicated that health care services have been restored in 60% of hospitals in regions recaptured by the military, including Khartoum. However, diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue fever are widespread due to the damaged health care infrastructure. Dengue fever has affected at least 14 provinces, while the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 113,629 cholera cases and 3,029 deaths since July 2024.

The delivery of medical aid remains challenging, as supply trucks often face attacks or robberies, hindering efforts to meet the population's needs.

Based on reporting by Africanews.