Recent violence in southern Sudan, specifically in South Kordofan, has resulted in at least 80 deaths according to the United Nations. The conflict involves the Sudanese army and the SPLM-N faction, compounding an existing humanitarian crisis with rising food insecurity. The UN has emphasized the alarming situation, warning that millions are at risk of famine without immediate aid.
The United Nations reported that violence in southern Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, particularly in the city of Kadugli, located in South Kordofan state. This surge in conflict is linked to renewed hostilities between the Sudanese army and a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North led by Abdel Aziz al-Hilu. The ongoing clashes are exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis in the region.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN’s resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned actions including the alleged use of women and children as human shields, hindrance of aid delivery, and the detention of civilians. The ongoing conflict, which has been prevalent since April 2023, involves the Sudanese army battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces for control, thus magnifying the humanitarian situation facing millions.
The UN cautioned that the worsening violence will have dire consequences for those affected, as many are already cut off from essential resources. In South Kordofan, the alarming rates of food insecurity are manifesting, with families facing severe restrictions on food supplies and malnutrition issues rising sharply. Approximately half a million individuals in South Kordofan and Blue Nile are nearing famine.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has flagged famine conditions in some regions, notably in parts of the Nuba Mountains. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, tens of thousands have lost their lives, 12 million have been displaced, and nearly 26 million are suffering from acute food insecurity, declaring a critical state of emergency across the nation.
Southern Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023, primarily centered on power struggles between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces. The unrest has led to widespread violence, humanitarian crises, and severe food insecurity, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The intensifying violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states has drawn significant attention from international bodies like the United Nations, necessitating urgent intervention efforts to address the escalating conditions facing millions of civilians.
The situation in southern Sudan remains precarious as violence continues to claim lives and create a humanitarian nightmare. The UN’s dire warnings highlight the urgent need for international intervention and support to alleviate the extreme food shortages and suffering faced by the affected populations. Failure to address these issues may exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, pushing more individuals into famine and severe malnutrition.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
