Khartoum, August 24 (Darfur24)
The United Nations has warned of a serious deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Heiban locality in South Kordofan State amid continued fighting between armed and non-governmental groups in the area.
Tensions have gripped Kauda, which falls within Heiban locality, since March following disputes over tribal border demarcation. The dispute later escalated into fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and members of the Otoro tribe, whom the armed movement has described as “rebels.”
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Denise Brown, said the ongoing fighting in Heiban had taken a heavy toll on civilians, triggering widespread displacement and damaging vital civilian infrastructure.
Brown also expressed deep concern over reports of the arbitrary detention of humanitarian workers, as well as looting and destruction targeting the offices and equipment of aid organizations operating in the area.
“These violations directly impede life-saving operations and deprive thousands of affected people of access to essential aid at a time when they desperately need it,” she said.
Brown called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets, comply with international humanitarian law, and allow aid organizations to operate freely, safely and independently without obstruction or interference.
She stressed that safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access was urgently needed to reach affected communities and deliver life-saving assistance.