Attachments
Highlights
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The humanitarian situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with over 11 million people displaced and millions more in extreme vulnerability, particularly children. Severe restrictions on access to basic services have led to alarming levels of food insecurity, affecting 13 million people. UN agencies are urgently calling for safe access to communities in need and are urging the Sudanese government to streamline aid delivery and reopen UN offices in affected regions. This crisis is particularly dire for more than 10 million internally displaced people (IDPs) and 800,000 refugees, who are in urgent need of protection and legal support. In a joint statement on 25 October following a high-level mission to the country, UNHCR and UNICEF reiterated their commitment to delivering essential services but stressed the need for sustained international support to address the root causes of the conflict and protect civilians from severe rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence. Immediate and collective action is critical to an effective response to this escalating crisis.
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The border between Ethiopia and Sudan at Metema-Gallabat reopened on 21 October, after being closed since 2 September due to security concerns linked to militia activities in Metema. The reopening followed weeks of discussions between Ethiopian and Sudanese officials, supported by local communities, and included the establishment of a joint temporary security force to maintain stability and facilitate trade and movement across the border. Residents of Metema expressed their commitment to supporting stabilization efforts and fostering positive relations with Sudan. The border crossing – through which thousands of Sudanese nationals have entered Ethiopia since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023 – has faced frequent closures due to localized tensions and accusations of cross-border violence.
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Heavy rains have led to devastating flooding in South Sudan, impacting over 1 million people, according to findings from OCHA. As of 18 October, the floods have displaced approximately 271,000 individuals across 42 of the country’s 78 counties, with Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Unity states accounting for 40 per cent of those affected. The UN warns that unprecedented flooding could affect up to 3.3 million people between September and December, raising concerns that many areas may become inaccessible due to rising water levels.