Nairobi, September 24 (Darfur24)
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned of escalating violence, continued displacement and worsening food insecurity across Sudan as fighting intensifies in several states.
In its latest humanitarian update, OCHA reported that clashes broke out on September 19 at Al-Borsa market in Al-Daein, East Darfur, injuring several people and forcing a partial closure of the market.
The same day, 13 people were reportedly killed and more than 400 displaced during clashes between community groups at Abuja market in Qureida, South Darfur. Further clashes in Nyala also resulted in injuries, according to humanitarian partners.
OCHA said fighting in North and South Kordofan, Blue Nile and North Darfur has triggered continued displacement, with humanitarian organizations reporting thousands of new displacements over the past week.
In North Kordofan, UNICEF reported that two warehouses in Sheikan locality were hit by drones on September 20, destroying more than 330,000 educational materials intended for distribution at the start of the school year.
Humanitarian partners also reported drone attacks on Al-Abyad on September 20 and 21.
OCHA urged all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international law and to facilitate safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.
The agency also warned that food insecurity is worsening. In Tawila, North Darfur, bread has reportedly been unavailable in local markets for four consecutive days after bakeries closed on September 18 amid tensions over rising prices.
The World Food Programme reported that the cost of Sudan’s local food basket increased by 13 percent from the previous month, reflecting continued pressure on food prices and household livelihoods.