18% Increase in Displacement from Blue Nile in 10 Days

Moatinoon
Amid escalating clashes between the Sudanese army, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and their ally—the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu—in the Blue Nile region, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported a rise in the number of displaced people to approximately 28,020 individuals (5,609 households) between January 11 and April 2. This marks an 18% increase in just ten days compared to previous figures.

Displacement waves have been concentrated in the localities of Bau, Kurmuk, and Qeisan, which recorded the highest rates of population outflow. Displaced persons have spread across several areas within the state, most notably Ed Damazin, Al-Rosaires, Al-Tadamon, and Wad Al-Mahi.

According to IOM data, about 87% of the displaced have sought shelter in informal gathering sites, while 9% are staying in schools and public buildings, and around 5% are being hosted by local families.

The Blue Nile Emergency Room has warned of a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly in Kurmuk locality, due to intensified military operations and declining security conditions.

It noted that thousands of families have fled under harsh conditions, leaving behind their homes and belongings, and are now facing severe shortages of food and drinking water, overcrowded shelters, declining health services, and increased risks of disease outbreaks, especially among the most vulnerable groups.

The Emergency Room stressed that the scale of the crisis has exceeded local response capacities, calling for urgent intervention by national and international organizations to provide essential needs, including food, water, shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support.

This escalation comes amid ongoing military movements, with the Sudanese government deploying reinforcements to Ed Damazin, the regional capital, while reports indicate RSF mobilization around the city.

In recent weeks, RSF forces announced control over the strategic town of Kurmuk near the Ethiopian border, as well as areas in Bau locality, underscoring the region’s military and economic significance, particularly due to its connection to vital infrastructure such as the Al-Rosaires Dam.

Meanwhile, the army continues to carry out airstrikes using warplanes and drones targeting RSF troops, amid warnings that continued military operations could lead to further deterioration of humanitarian and security conditions.