UN warns Sudan crisis worsening as fighting intensifies

United Nations Security Council Briefing on Sudan's Crisis

On Mon, the United Nations Security Council received a briefing concerning the escalating violence and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. Representatives from various UN agencies highlighted the increasing risks facing civilians and humanitarian workers due to ongoing conflicts between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, addressed the Council, emphasizing the intensified conflict since the last briefing in October and its impact on civilians. Recent hostilities have predominantly affected the Kordofan region, with significant territorial advances by the Rapid Support Forces.

Key territorial changes include the capture of Babanusa in West Kordofan on Dec 1, and Heglig in South Kordofan on Dec 8, a vital oil processing station for South Sudanese crude oil exports. Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan are now experiencing siege conditions.

Essential services, including health facilities, have been targeted amid rising disease and hunger levels. Shible Sahbani, a representative from the World Health Organization in Sudan, reported severe malnutrition issues, with over 21 million people facing acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Approximately 45% of the population is classified under IPC levels three and above, indicating famine conditions. Sudan ranks among the top four countries globally for the prevalence of global acute malnutrition, affecting 13.6% of its population.

The World Food Program warns that the situation may worsen in the coming months as food supplies deplete and conflict persists. The agency is seeking over $660 million to assist those in urgent need.

Based on reporting by Africanews.