Sudan – International concern about the conditions of thousands of people in North Darfur, with the inability to reach relief

As the conflict continues to escalate in the northwestern part of the state, local partners report that at least 2,000 families are trapped in Wadi Qardi and Um Saad in the Karnoy and Um Baru districts. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs confirms that the fighting in the region is severely hampering humanitarian access.

The conflict continues to cause population displacement in the Kordofan region. The International Organization for Migration estimates that nearly 3,000 people were displaced between January 15 and 19 from the cities of Kadugli and Dilling in South Kordofan State, with some heading towards areas in White Nile State.

Both towns remain under siege as fighting continues as acute food insecurity worsens, with famine conditions confirmed in Kadugli and similar levels of acute food insecurity in Dilling.

OCHA calls on all parties to immediately protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure rapid, safe, sustainable and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.

In White Nile State, local authorities and UN humanitarian partners reported the arrival of nearly 2,000 people in Kosti town over the past three weeks, increasing pressure on already stretched services. Since late October, about 19,500 people have fled Kordofan to White Nile State.

The United Nations and its partners are working to expand assistance, including providing food rations, tents, plastic sheets, and water, sanitation and hygiene services, but critical gaps remain due to lack of funding.

The UN office appeals for additional funding to enable humanitarian partners to expand the scope of life-saving assistance.

The United Nations and its partners in Sudan are calling for the allocation of $2.9 billion to fund the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to reach more than 20 million people in need.