UN Concerned About Escalating Violence in Kordofan and Blue Nile States

The UN spokesperson expressed grave concern over the escalating violence in the Kordofan and Blue Nile states, where fierce fighting continues to harm civilians and impede the delivery of desperately needed life-saving humanitarian aid.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric cited local sources reporting an increase in drone attacks in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, since last Friday. The Sudanese Doctors Network reported damage to a medical facility and injuries to 12 people, including five medical personnel.

Meanwhile, clashes continue in South Kordofan, particularly around the town of Dilling. Fighting along key supply routes is disrupting commercial transport and humanitarian operations. The town of Kurmuk in Blue Nile State has been subjected to intense drone attacks over the past two weeks, resulting in the destruction of a school and damage to a power station. This has led to the displacement of 1,000 families to the city of Damazin by Saturday due to the ongoing insecurity.

The spokesperson did not specify who was responsible for the attacks, but local sources and eyewitnesses confirmed that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia is responsible for the escalation, having launched numerous drone attacks in Kordofan over the past few days.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the situation is dire and that people are in urgent need of assistance, emphasizing its work with partners to expand aid as much as possible.

In East Darfur, Al-Daein Hospital, which provides approximately 200 consultations and 15 cesarean deliveries daily, is facing a funding shortage that could jeopardize essential services. This comes as a massive fire in the Kalma camp in Nyala, South Darfur, destroyed approximately 700 homes, amidst deteriorating conditions and a measles outbreak following the suspension of some activities last January.

The UN spokesperson called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, ensure rapid and unhindered access for aid, and adhere to international humanitarian law, stressing the urgent need for sustainable and flexible funding to maintain life-saving services and prevent further deterioration.