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IOM calls on all parties to ensure the safety of humanitarians and allow their unrestricted access to be able to assist those most vulnerable. IOM’s Response Overview for the Sudan Crisis and Neighboring Countries contributes to addressing the humanitarian needs inside Sudan and the complexities of a mixed movements response that is inclusive of the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrant returnees, third country nationals (TCNs), host communities, refugees and Government entities responding to the crisis. IOM’s planned response was coordinated with Governments and humanitarian partners.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
101 days of conflict in Sudan and the conflict continues across Khartoum, Bahri and Omdurman, whilst fighting intensifies in Darfur and the Kordofan States. The African Union and IGAD confirmed the harmonization of the Road Map for Sudan and the need for all regional and international efforts to come under the ‘African Leadership.’ In the same line, Kenyan President William Ruto, expressed the need for IGAD and the Jeddah Talks to work together to support the resolution to the conflict and support neighbouring countries taking in large numbers of refugees. Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) leaders continue to reject William’s Ruto leadership in the IGAD Quartet and have expressed rising concerns over the Kenyan-led proposal of sending East African Standby Force (EASF) into Sudan. Transitional Sovereignty Council Vice-President, Malik Agar, stated that the current conflict is more complex given the interests of external actors in Sudan. In a recent social media post, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stated that RSF did not wish to dismantle SAF, but rather build a unified army to serve the people. The Forces of Freedom of Change – Central Council (FFC - CC) is meeting in Cairo for the first time since the outbreak of the violence on 24 and 25 July 2023 to discuss possible solutions to the conflict. Meanwhile, over 40 international non-governmental organizations have issued a joint statement advocating for unimpeded humanitarian access.
In Darfur, heavy fighting was reported in El Fasher (North Darfur) between the RSF and SAF. Minni Minawi, Governor of Darfur, reiterated plans to deploy joint forces in Darfur and called on civilians to take up arms to protect themselves in view of the vacuum in security forces/protection mechanisms. In South Darfur the situation remains volatile – following the reports of heavy clashes and displacements of over 5,000 households in Kass, RSF has reportedly taken control of the town. Heavy fighting for over five days was also reported in Nyala resulting in the displacement of over 5,000 households (DTM Flash Alert). In Zalingei (Central Darfur) the situation remains unstable, initial reports from those who fled the conflict report speak of looting, arrests, killings, but also of farmers being prevented from working or accessing their farms. In West Darfur, the situation remains critical, civilians continue to reportedly flee to Chad amid the security situation, lack of food and basic services. French and Chadian forces reportedly supported the relocation of approximately 10,000 refugees away from border areas with West Darfur to a new refugee camp in a safer location. In a recent interview, Masalit leader Sa’ad Abd Al-Rahman Bahr Al-Din, spoke of over 16,000 fighters attacking El Geneina, killing over 10,000 people and displacing at least 80% of the population of El Geneina.
In South Kordofan, fighting continues between SAF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North/Al Hilu (SPLM-N/A) with reports of SPLM-N/A taking control of strategic areas. Air strikes were reported in EL Obeid, North Kordofan, resulting in a number of casualties – recent reports reveal that the situation is escalating, both in terms of clashes and looting. Clashes were also reported for the first time in El Fula (West Kordofan).
The current total estimate of recently displaced individuals across Sudan has reached 2,686,434 individuals (537,969 Households). The current assessment has observed the IDP caseload in all of Sudan’s 18 states. The highest proportions of IDPs have been observed in River Nile (16.72%), Northern (13.41%), White Nile (10.13%), and Sennar (8.09%) states. Field teams report that the IDPs observed were originally displaced from eight states. The majority (73.52%) have been reportedly displaced from Khartoum state; followed by South Darfur (7.31%), North Darfur (7.23%), West Darfur (6.62%), Central Darfur (4.59%), North Kordofan (0.45%), South Kordofan (0.26%), and Aj Jazirah (0.02%).
In addition to the internal displacement, the conflict in Sudan caused the Mixed Cross-Border Movements of 844,574 individuals into neighbouring countries namely Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Ethiopia. 66% of arrivals tracked in those countries were Sudanese nationals and 34% estimated foreign nationals and returnees. The majority of arrivals were reported in Chad (36.5%), Egypt (30.3%), and South Sudan (22.5%).
As of 14 July, the Ministry of Health has confirmed that at least 1,136 people have died and estimated that over 12,000 people have been injured since the start of the conflict. In a recent report published by Internews, the top humanitarian concerns published on social media from either private or public accounts are related to i) GBV cases and calls for protection support, ii) missing people’s reports, iii) lack of access to essential medical treatments, iv) lack of humanitarian assistance, and v) calls for increased protection of civilians and properties. Meanwhile, Northern, River Nile and Al Gezira states are experiencing a surge in the demand for health care as a result of people fleeing Khartoum and areas affected by the conflict – however, health services are overstretched. WHO in Sudan reports 67% of hospitals being out of service and healthcare reaching gravely serious levels of collapse. Food shortages are also reported, with people finding it harder to find affordable food supplies. The analysis also indicates severe water shortages and damage to infrastructure – many individuals report collecting water directly from the river Nile. Housing is expensive or inadequate, and employment opportunities are scarce. Reports of child recruitment are also increasing.
IOM and partners on the ground continue efforts to scale up humanitarian assistance and presence across Sudan and neighboring countries, however bureaucratic and administrative impediments continued to limit operational capacity. Additional funding is urgently needed to meet humanitarian needs and support pathways to durable solutions in neighbouring countries.