Driven by fear and escalating violence, civilians are fleeing their homes in Sudan as fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues. According to Mohamed Refaat, Chief of Mission in Sudan for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), “People in Sudan are not moving by choice, they are running just to find safety.” He urged international support for the Sudanese people, speaking from Port Sudan to journalists in Geneva.
Heavy Shelling and Displacement
Recent reports indicate that the RSF, alongside allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), shelled residential buildings in Dilling, South Kordofan, within the last 48 hours. The conflict, stemming from a breakdown in the transition to civilian rule, began in April 2023. The RSF took control of El Fasher, North Darfur, on October 26th after a 500-day siege, resulting in widespread displacement.
People fleeing El Fasher and surrounding villages – numbering over 109,000 according to IOM’s displacement tracking – are facing dire conditions, with reports of residents being forced to eat peanut shells and animal feed to survive. Displacement is now occurring in Babanusa, Kadugli, and El-Obeid, driven by widespread fear.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
The situation is particularly concerning for women and children, who are reportedly the only ones arriving in White Nile and Gedaref states to the east. Deep insecurity and violence are increasing protection risks for civilians and hindering humanitarian access. A recent attack on UN peacekeepers underscores the dangers. Six peacekeepers from Bangladesh were killed in Kadugli, South Kordofan, last Saturday in a drone attack while stationed at a logistics base supporting the UN force in Abyei.
Approximately 90,000 to 100,000 people in Kadugli could be displaced if fighting intensifies. El-Obeid appears to be on the brink of attack, with an estimated half a million people potentially impacted. Aid teams have warned that essential supplies have been “completely obliterated” for those attempting to survive.
Funding Shortfalls Hamper Aid Efforts
The IOM has experienced a loss of $83 million in funding this year, forcing a significant reduction in its operations. This has resulted in difficult decisions about where aid can be delivered, with Mr. Refaat stating that aid teams are “forced to choose which lives we can save and which support we have to stop.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving the displacement in Sudan?
According to IOM’s Mr. Refaat, people are fleeing Sudan not by choice, but “running just to find safety” due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Which cities are currently facing the greatest risk?
Kadugli and El-Obeid are identified as cities facing imminent threats, with estimates of up to 100,000 people potentially displaced from Kadugli and over half a million impacted in El-Obeid.
What impact are funding cuts having on humanitarian aid?
The IOM has lost $83 million in funding this year, forcing aid teams to reduce their operations and make difficult choices about prioritizing assistance to those most in need.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, what role can the international community play in ensuring the protection of civilians and providing essential humanitarian assistance?
