Al-Daein, August 17 (Darfur24)
Thousands of displaced people in Khazan Jadid in Sha’iriya locality, East Darfur State, are facing a worsening humanitarian crisis amid acute food shortages, delayed rains and a weak humanitarian response.
Khazan Jadid is the largest displacement site in Sha’iriya locality, hosting thousands of people who fled El Fasher in North Darfur and other conflict-affected areas. Many are living in deteriorating conditions with limited access to food, water and healthcare.
Adam Khamis, a displaced man from El Fasher, told Darfur24 on Sunday that the area had received no humanitarian assistance for more than a year.
“All that exists are local initiatives and organizations that are only conducting surveys. But there is no food for us,” he said.
Khamis said the delayed rains had pushed up food prices and disrupted agricultural activities. “We tried to plant, but there was no rain, no seeds, and not even food to sustain us until harvest,” he said, appealing to humanitarian organizations and donors for urgent assistance.
He said the displaced have few options to leave the area because of insecurity and the harsh conditions created by the war.
Fatima Suleiman, another displaced resident, told Darfur24 that she previously worked at the local market but was forced to stop due to the deteriorating economy and declining commercial activity.
Saadia Mohamed, who also fled El Fasher, said she had worked as a farm laborer but lost her source of income as cultivated areas declined and insecurity worsened.
Displaced people in Sha’iriya are facing severe shortages of food, water and healthcare. The delayed rains have further undermined agricultural prospects and contributed to rising food prices, while most international humanitarian organizations have reportedly suspended operations in the area for more than a year.
Local activists warned that continued restrictions on humanitarian assistance and poor rainfall could push more displaced people into hunger and malnutrition in the coming weeks.