UN condemns attacks on civilians in Darfur and Khartoum, warns of dire humanitarian situation

December 18, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – The UN has condemned recent shelling and airstrikes in civilian areas of Darfur and Khartoum, warning of a dire humanitarian situation as fighting intensifies in Sudan.

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in urban areas of North Darfur, South Darfur, and Greater Khartoum. Reports indicate significant civilian casualties, destruction of homes and markets, and damage to medical facilities.

“Armed individuals operating in and around populated areas and camps that shelter men, women and children who lost their homes because of this conflict pose direct threats to residents,” Nkweta-Salami said in a statement.

The violence is hindering humanitarian access, preventing the delivery of essential aid to vulnerable populations.

“We can’t stress enough that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, must be spared by the parties,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, during a briefing on Wednesday.

The Security Council is scheduled to be briefed on the humanitarian situation in Sudan on Thursday afternoon by UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, added the Dujarric.