🚨 The United Nations (UN) has raised alarms over Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) allegedly hindering essential aid to the famine-stricken Darfur region. Since April 2023, the RSF has been embroiled in conflict with Sudan's regular army, gaining control over nearly all of Darfur, an area comparable in size to France.
Since May, the RSF has imposed a siege on North Darfur's El-Fasher and launched attacks on nearby displacement camps, making it incredibly difficult for humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. 😪
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, \"The persistent restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the RSF's humanitarian agency are preventing life-saving assistance from reaching those in desperate need.\"
Famine has already been declared in five areas of North Darfur, with projections indicating that five more regions could be affected by May, according to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Nearly seven million people in Darfur are currently facing crisis-level hunger.
The UN has called for streamlined bureaucratic procedures and an end to undue interference, including demands for logistical support or mandatory engagement with selected vendors. Humanitarian workers have reported ongoing obstructions from both sides, looting of aid, and threats against relief staff since the conflict began.
The devastating war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, displaced 12 million people, and triggered the world's largest hunger and displacement crises. Overall, nearly 25 million people across Sudan are grappling with severe food insecurity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
