Clashes in Sudan’s Wad Madani displaces thousands: OCHA
December 16, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Thousands of people have been displaced after fighting broke out on December 15 between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Wad Madani area of Al-Jazirah State.
Airstrikes reportedly occurred in the western, northern and eastern parts of Wad Madani and in the vicinity of Alsharfa Barakat village north of the town on December 15 and 16.
Sporadic shootings, OCHA said, were heard on 15 and 16 December in various areas in Wad Madani, adding that clashes continued on Saturday and Sunday.
“Panic is reportedly growing among the civilians in the town and people have been seen leaving by vehicle and on foot,” partly noted the statement from OCHA, adding that “the situation remains tense and unpredictable”.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 14,000 – 15,000 people have been displaced from Madani Al Kubra locality.
Affected residents, it said, have sought refuge in neighborhoods westward of Wad Madani town, as well as other locations in Al Jazirah, and towards Sennar and Gedaref states. Displacement has also taken place into Gedaref State with the arrival of approximately 1,500 IDPs in Al Fao locality, approximately 3,000 IDPs in Madeinat Al Gedaref and approximately 250 IDPs in Ar Rahad locality.
“Shops and markets remain closed since 15 December in Wad Madani. Hantoob bridge in Wad Madani is partially closed by SAF as a security measure,” the agency said.
Meanwhile local authorities announced a state of emergency and introduced a curfew in Wad Madani effective from 15 December 2023 until further notice.
Wad Madani has served as a hub for humanitarian operations since fighting broke out in April this year between SAF and RSF, while humanitarian organizations have reduced their footprint in the area due to the security situation. A suspension of all humanitarian field missions within and from Al Jazirah State has been put in place as of 15 December until further notice.
(ST)