Sudan conflict displaces 259,000 people into South Sudan: OCHA

September 10, 2023 (JUBA) – Nearly five months of fighting between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan have forced 259,451 individuals into South Sudan, the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) said.

In its update issued on Sunday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs cautioned that more people are expected into South Sudan as fighting in Sudan continues.

“Additional resources are needed to deal with the multiple consequences of flooding, including to prevent disease outbreaks,” the bulletin reads in part.

According to OCHA, Joda/Renk border remains the main point of entry for about 97 percent of new arrivals, including returnees, refugees and asylum-seekers.

At least $139.4 million, it further said, needed by the World Food Program (WFP) to provide life-saving food and nutrition assistance for new arrivals as well as support the humanitarian response through the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS).

OCHA highlighted on the flooding in Renk, saying it has worsened the situation for people and significantly limited physical access to key areas such as the airport.

The humanitarian agency also said it paused the general onward transportation from Joda to Renk town on September 3, citing temporary funding constraints.

Meanwhile, OCHA said it has revised its emergency response plan for the Sudan crisis and requires $356 million from May to December to address people’s critical priorities, including onward transport assistance to preferred final destinations, life-saving humanitarian assistance on arrival and during transit for 600,000 individuals.

Last week, the UN humanitarian agency said more than 7 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan due to the conflict between rival military factions.

(ST)