The situation in southern Sudan is increasingly alarming, as the United Nations has issued a stark warning that the regions of South Kordofan and Blue Nile are “on the brink of catastrophe.” This declaration comes in the wake of renewed violence that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan.
The resurgence of conflict began last week, involving the Sudanese army and a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu. Clashes have intensified between these groups, as accusations fly regarding attacks on civilians and efforts to seize territory. The unfolding crisis has further compounded the humanitarian emergency that has gripped the nation since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the United Nations’ resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, emphasized the dire circumstances in a statement. She condemned the reported use of women and children as human shields during the recent violence, highlighted the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and criticized the detention of civilians, including minors. Nkweta-Salami’s remarks underscore the gravity of the situation, calling attention to the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The ongoing war in Sudan has primarily pitted the national army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, unleashing a humanitarian disaster that has displaced millions and led to widespread food insecurity. The SPLM-N’s faction, unaffiliated with the major combatants, has added another layer of complexity to an already volatile landscape.
The UN has raised alarms about the escalating violence, warning that it threatens to exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis. In regions like South Kordofan, families are increasingly struggling to secure adequate food supplies, leading to alarming rates of malnutrition. An estimated half a million people currently stand on the brink of famine in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, as per the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
Moreover, the UN has confirmed that famine conditions are already present in several areas of the Nuba Mountains, where the SPLM-N holds significant influence. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict have been severe, with fighting since April 2023 resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, displacing over 12 million people, and pushing nearly 26 million Sudanese into acute food insecurity.
As international attention turns towards this crisis, the urgent need for humanitarian assistance becomes increasingly clear, with many civilians facing the dual threats of violence and starvation.
