Sudan’s warring parties threaten functioning aid system: report
May 25, 2024 (KHARTOUM) – Obstruction by the warring parties in Sudan’s ongoing conflict could undermine the functioning of the aid system, a new report warned.
The ACAPS Sudan Analysis Hub, basing on data from the UN Migration Age (IOM) data, cited the slow processes for bringing staff and supplies into Sudan and delays in moving medical and food supplies from Port Sudan to other areas.
As such, the vast number of internally displaced persons in Northern and River Nile States create a demand for aid, potentially exceeding available resources.
Also of concern are effects of the influx on adequate food, water and healthcare.
The report further said that insecurity in neighbouring states, particularly Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, continues to hinder movement of aid workers and supplies.
Since 15 April 2023, clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have reportedly caused widespread displacement.
According to the report, throughout the country, an estimated 6.7 million people (more than 1.3 million households) are internally displaced. This, it stressed, represents a weekly rise of nearly 40,000 IDPs between 16 and 23 April 2024.
The analysis shows IDPs are moving northwards into River Nile and Northern states, which reportedly offer security and potential routes to leave the war-torn country.
Currently, it notes, River Nile state holds 11% of the IDP caseload across Sudan, while Northern state holds 6%. However, between 19–28 March 2024, IDPs in Northern state reportedly increased by 6% from 404,660 to 405,030.
This number had, however, reduced to 399,755 by 17 April 2024 (IOM 26/04/2024). In the same period, IDPs in River Nile state increased by 11% from 706,906 to 711,175 (IOM 02/04/2024). By 17 April, there was also a reduction of the number of recorded IDPs in the state to become 702,456 (IOM 26/04/2024), it observed.
Consequently, the fluctuations could reportedly be a result of some IDPs returning to their states of origin, especially regions perceived as secure, such as Khartoum and others seeking international protection across borders.
Meanwhile the report says that an expansion of the war closer to Northern state could lead to further secondary and tertiary displacement. This follows concerns that waging war and lack of resources in neighbouring states, particularly Khartoum and Aj Jazirah, will continue to drive displacement northwards.
In addition, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities is expected to remain a challenge given the IDP influx while without significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure, poor healthcare access will lead to public health crisis.
Also notable is that the number of IDPs in Northern state has risen significantly since the war began, with more than 400,000 reported by the end of March 2024. The majority of IDPs come from Bahri (Khartoum north), Khartoum, Um Durman (Khartoum state), Janub Al Jazirah, Medani Al Kubra, and Sharg Al Jazirah states.
The majority (85%), says the report, are residing with host communities, while the rest are primarily in rented accommodations, schools and public buildings. These movements are fuelled by search for better services, employment, among others.
Assessment data indicates that food, healthcare, and livelihood access remain priority needs of IDPs in Northern state. The war has driven many people in Sudan to seek a new life in Egypt, and Northern state has become a key way point in their journey.
(ST)