severe humanitarian crisis continues in South Kordofan

SUDO UK

PRESS RELEASE – Update

June 13th 2011 — There continues to be a severe humanitarian crisis involving tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting in South Kordofan. According to the latest reports the numbers of
displaced persons arriving in both El Obeid and Er Rahad are increasing hour by hour. The
number of IDPs is increasing by about 60 to 100 persons an hour in Er Rahad and 250 – 300
persons an hour in El Obeid.

As a result of the Sudanese Government policy of prohibiting the construction of camps IDPs
are roaming around in both towns, settling in open yards and empty houses. The IDPs are
continuously arriving in small minicabs, lorries, heavy trucks. It is a very difficult journey as a
result of the rains which are blocking the roads in South Kordofan.

The IDPs are telling horrifying stories about the places they have come from. Very few civilians
remain inside Kadugli. There are reportedly lots of dead bodies remaining unburied around the
city. These bodies have started to decompose and there is a fear of cholera spreading among
the remaining civilians, some of whom have gathered around the UN compound.

Reports indicate that the SAF (Sudan Armed Forces) and SPLA Nuba continue to fight for
control of Kadugli, with each side controlling part of the city. The road from Kadugli up to Deling
on the way to El Obeid is reportedly unsafe and vehicles are traveling in escorted convoys.
Fighting is reported to continue in many areas in South Kordofan including: Dalami, Um
Brembita, Abu Karshoula in the Eastern Nuba mountains and Kadugli, Deling, Salara in the
Western Nuba mountains.

Rains in El Obeid and Er Rahad have already started and there is an immediate need for
shelter, food, blankets, mats and cooking utensils. Sadly the Sudanese Government and the
international community are continuing to fail to provide humanitarian assistance for the tens of
thousands of civilians displaced by fighting in South Kordofan. The humanitarian emergency is
on the verge of becoming a humanitarian disaster as a result of the lack of assistance being
provided to the displaced civilians.

Statement issued by SUDO (UK) on 12th June 2011.
Contact [email protected] for any further information.