The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed on Thursday the killing of at least 17 people in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur state. It also warned of the widening circle of food insecurity in this country.
The latest report from the office indicated that 17 people were killed and 35 others were injured following clashes between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nyala. Additionally, preliminary reports indicate that an estimated 3,500 families (about 17,500 people) fled the neighbourhoods affected by fighting.
The renewed civil conflict between the Salamat and the Habaniya tribes on 22 October led to the majority of residents from the localities of As-Sunta and Buram fleeing. The conflict resulted in the loss of 51 lives and the injury of 23 others.
The report also mentioned the complete burning of residential areas, shops, and farms in the entire locality of As-Sunta and that the situation remains tense and unpredictable.
Furthermore, the office reported 10 deaths and 42 injuries resulting from the renewed conflict on 26 October between the Sudanese army and the RSF in the city of Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur State.
In Central Darfur, clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF in Zalingei resulted in the displacement of people who previously sought refuge in Al Hasahisa IDP Camp. Reportedly, around 13,000 IDPs (2,600 families) have fled to Hameedia IDP Camp (Zalingei locality), while about 3,250 IDPs (650 families) have sought refuge in other locations across Zalingei.
The report mentioned agricultural disruptions in Khartoum State due to hostile activities. It also revealed a 35% decrease in vegetation cover in East Sudan, raising concerns about further food shortages for more Sudanese citizens.
Between October 2023 and February 2024, about 15 million people are estimated to be experiencing acute food insecurity despite the start of the harvest season in October, according to an IPC report.
OCHA report says that the revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires US$2.6 billion to provide life-saving multi-sectoral and protection assistance to 18.1 million people in desperate need through the end of this year. According to the Financial Tracking Service, the appeal is only 33.6 percent funded, with $861.5 million received as of 2 November, according to the Financial Tracking Service.