UNITED NATIONS, October 3 (WSH) — The United Nations has sounded the alarm over what it calls a looming humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan’s Darfur region, as conflict-driven displacement, hunger, and sexual violence escalate to unprecedented levels.
Displacement at Record Scale
According to the UN, nearly 12 million people across Sudan have been uprooted since April 2023, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. Tawila in North Darfur, just 50 kilometers from besieged El Fasher, now hosts some 600,000 displaced civilians. Humanitarian Coordinator Denise Brown described Tawila as “one of the epicentres of a humanitarian catastrophe,” noting the five-day journey through three countries required just to reach the site.
Aid Blocked, Civilians Trapped
El Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under government control, has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for over 500 days. Aid convoys carrying food and medicine remain blocked, and roads are contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance. “Stop the violence, stop the war, let us through,” Brown urged, warning that 260,000 civilians remain trapped without safe passage.
Hunger, Disease and Sexual Violence
Displacement camps face worsening shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Cholera and dengue fever are spreading rapidly. The UN also reports widespread sexual violence, including rape, sexual slavery, and gang rape, amounting to torture.
Funding Shortfalls and Global Inaction
Sudan’s $4.2 billion humanitarian plan for 2025 is only 25 percent funded. Aid agencies warn that international inaction is exacerbating the crisis. Civil society groups have jointly appealed for humanitarian corridors and urgent resources, stressing that thousands of lives remain at risk.
A Call for Urgency
“Aid workers are ready to respond, but without security guarantees and funding, our hands are tied,” Brown said. The UN warns that decisive international action is needed immediately to avert further mass atrocities and famine in Darfur.
