North Darfur faces scarcity of essential goods as humanitarian convoys cease
December 7, 2023 (EL FASHER) – A North Darfur state official has revealed a severe shortage of fuel, commodities, and medicines due to the suspension of humanitarian and commercial convoys following armed movements’ abandonment of neutrality to protect civilians.
Preferring to remain anonymous, the official informed Sudan Tribune that the price of a gallon of gasoline had skyrocketed to 40,000 pounds (approximately 40 dollars), and essential food supplies witnessed a staggering surge in prices.
He attributed this scarcity to the halt of convoys, previously escorted by the joint force of armed groups, from central Sudan to Darfur via Kordofan.
The movements, signatories of the Juba Sudan Peace Agreement, established a joint force responsible for maintaining security in Darfur in response to the security vacuum created by the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This force operated in El Fasher, securing government facilities and markets, as well as delivering humanitarian aid to the region’s states.
However, these convoys, under the protection of the joint force, have faltered as the RSF seized several major cities in Darfur, rendering these movements no longer neutral in the conflict.
The official warned that if the humanitarian and commercial aid convoys protected by the joint force cease, North Darfur will face exceptionally dire conditions in the coming days.
He anticipated that the RSF would initiate new tactics, including imposing a prolonged siege on El Fasher, the state capital, before launching an attack. However, imposing a siege on North Darfur would necessitate the mobilization of immense forces and substantial capabilities.
He emphasized, “In the event of an attack on El Fasher, the joint force will engage in a crucial battle to defend civilians and their property.”
On February 7, the Sudanese army and the RSF signed a series of commitments aimed at facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to citizens. However, both parties have failed to fulfill these pledges.
(ST)