The UN reports that over one million individuals have fled war-torn Sudan to South Sudan amid a significant humanitarian crisis. The ongoing conflict, which started in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced. The report emphasizes the critical need for international assistance as resources are overwhelmed in South Sudan.
The United Nations reported that over one million individuals have fled the war in Sudan, seeking refuge in neighboring South Sudan, highlighting the magnitude of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Since hostilities erupted between Sudanese military forces and a competing paramilitary group in April 2023, tens of thousands have been killed, while more than 12 million people have been displaced from their homes. Notably, more than 770,000 have crossed into South Sudan via the Joda border crossing within the past 21 months.
Most of those fleeing to South Sudan are South Sudanese who had previously escaped the civil war in their own country. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, noted that this influx reflects a dire humanitarian situation. “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic and truly shows the increasing scale of this crisis,” stated Sanaa Abdalla Omer of UNHCR. She emphasized that while South Sudanese show remarkable generosity, the burden of supporting a large influx must not fall on them alone.
A recent joint UN report underscored the urgent need for assistance for both refugees and the host communities, given that resources in South Sudan are severely overextended. Health care, clean drinking water, and shelter facilities are reaching critical limitations. For instance, two transit centers in Renk County, which were intended for fewer than 5,000 people, now accommodate more than 16,000.
The situation escalated last week when violent protests against Sudanese nationals in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals. Sudan is experiencing one of the worst internal displacement crises globally, compounded by declared famine in certain regions. The ongoing conflict features clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by former colleagues now in opposition.
Both factions have been accused of committing war crimes, such as targeting civilians and indiscriminate attacks on residential areas. Specifically, the RSF has been charged with ethnic cleansing, systematic acts of sexual violence, and the siege of entire communities. Notably, research from November estimated that the conflict resulted in over 61,000 deaths within the first 14 months due to both violence and associated causes like disease and starvation.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, instigated by a power struggle between Sudan’s military leadership and their rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. This turmoil has led to extensive civilian casualties and the highest levels of internal displacement currently observed worldwide. With millions forced from their homes, neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan, are faced with the challenges of accommodating a large influx of refugees, exacerbating existing humanitarian crises in those regions.
The humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict in Sudan has reached alarming levels, with over one million people having fled to South Sudan. As resources in host communities become increasingly strained, there is an urgent call for international support to provide necessary assistance to refugees and local populations. The situation is compounded by violence and civil unrest, further highlighting the seriousness of addressing the underlying issues of this multi-faceted crisis.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
