Sudan: Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, has issued a stark warning, emphasizing that time is rapidly slipping away as famine, disease, and conflict converge on the population without respite.
Addressing journalists at UN Headquarters in New York, Nkweta-Salami underscored the imperative for urgent action from the international community as the crisis intensifies, with the civilian populace increasingly trapped in the grip of escalating conflict.
Highlighting the ongoing clashes in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, she emphasized the gravity of the situation, with recent confrontations resulting in numerous casualties and displacements. Nkweta-Salami cautioned that without immediate de-escalation efforts, the repercussions could be catastrophic for the 800,000 residents of the area.
Compounding the crisis, vital humanitarian assistance remains inaccessible to those in need, with logistical challenges hampering aid delivery. Despite efforts to transport critical supplies to El Fasher from the coastal city of Port Sudan since April 3rd, over a dozen trucks carrying essential provisions for 120,000 people remain stranded due to security concerns and clearance delays at checkpoints.
Death, Devastation, and Displacement
“The recent violence in El Fasher epitomizes the harrowing toll this conflict exacts on innocent civilians,” remarked the UN Coordinator.
In response to the profound devastation in Sudan, UN agencies are tirelessly engaging, confronting a grim reality where thousands perish, homes lay in ruins, and essential civilian infrastructure is decimated. The atrocities perpetrated, including rape, torture, and ethnically-driven violence, further compound the anguish.
With over 18 million Sudanese facing hunger, and a staggering five million teetering on the brink of famine, the nation grapples with the ignoble distinction of hosting the world’s largest displacement crisis. Nine million individuals, forcibly uprooted, seek refuge either within Sudan’s borders or beyond.
Described as a “perfect storm,” the healthcare system is crippled, and an entire generation is denied access to education. Alarmingly, famine looms ominously, with a mere six-week window before the lean season exacerbates food scarcity and prices soar. The imminent rainy season threatens to exacerbate the plight, hindering aid delivery, while the planting season’s end looms, imperiling agriculture unless seeds reach farmers promptly.
“The people of Sudan are ensnared in a deadly vortex that intensifies with each passing day,” cautioned Nkweta-Salami.
Amidst this adversity, the UN remains resolute in its commitment to serve Sudan. Diplomatic endeavors persist relentlessly, aiming to broker peace talks and halt the violence.
Immediate Action Urged to Avert Catastrophe
“When peace is secured, the UN stands prepared to mobilize and facilitate recovery and rebuilding efforts,” affirmed Nkweta-Salami.
Yet, in the interim, humanitarian efforts necessitate unimpeded access to reach vulnerable populations wherever they may be. Financial backing assumes paramount importance, given that only 12 percent of the $2.7 billion humanitarian appeal has been realized thus far. Additionally, heightened engagement is imperative to quell the ongoing hostilities.
“It is imperative for advocacy, attention, and resources to be escalated,” emphasized Nkweta-Salami. “Time is of the essence. Action is imperative now.”
Editor’s Note: Source https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1149786
