UN concerned over Sudan’s Blue Nile displacement, aid access blocked

April 7, 2025 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations voiced grave concern on Monday for thousands of civilians displaced by insecurity in Sudan’s Blue Nile state and lamented the lack of humanitarian access to reach them due to fighting and bureaucratic obstacles.

UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said local authorities estimate 4,000 people fleeing Ullu and other towns in the southeastern state’s Bau locality were heading northeast towards the state capital Ed Damazine, some 230 kilometres (143 miles) away.

About 600 people have already arrived in Ed Damazine and are taking shelter at a displacement site, Dujarric told reporters.

“Ongoing insecurity and bureaucratic constraints have prevented humanitarian partners from reaching impacted areas,” he said during a regular press briefing.

The UN reiterated its call for “safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need” in the region, Dujarric added.

He also noted that the situation was further complicated by the recent arrivals of people fleeing from neighbouring South Sudan into other parts of Blue Nile State.