UN Condemns Civilian Killings in Kordofan and Darfur

Moatinoon
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports that dozens of civilians were killed in Sudan during the Eid al-Adha holiday as violence continues to escalate across parts of Kordofan and Darfur.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization unequivocally condemns the killing of civilians.

Citing humanitarian workers, Dujarric reported that clashes in Bara, North Kordofan State, killed at least ten civilians, forced families to flee their homes, and further worsened the humanitarian needs of populations already in urgent need of assistance.

In South Kordofan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 2,200 people had been forced to flee in search of safety in recent days.

In West Kordofan, local sources said that drone strikes in the Kadam area killed at least eight civilians and injured many others.

Meanwhile, in Central Darfur State, ten people, including three children, were reportedly killed in a drone attack on the town of Um Dukhn on Saturday.

Dujarric also noted that intercommunal violence in Central and South Darfur states has reportedly resulted in additional casualties and displacement, forcing families to cross the border into Chad.

He added that the deteriorating security situation is also disrupting humanitarian operations. In Central Darfur, for example, humanitarian activities supporting 21,000 people have been suspended due to ongoing clashes.

At the same time, a suspected cholera outbreak continues in Central Kordofan, with approximately 300 suspected cases and 77 deaths believed to be linked to the disease.

UN partners are responding to the outbreak, but shortages of supplies and resources are hampering relief efforts.

Authorities had previously announced in March that the cholera outbreak in Sudan had been brought under control. However, Dujarric warned that the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases is likely to increase during the rainy season, which begins this month.

He noted that attacks on critical infrastructure are making it more difficult for people to access desperately needed clean water.

The United Nations renewed its call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to facilitate humanitarian access.

Dujarric also stressed the urgent need for additional funding, noting that the humanitarian appeal for Sudan this year has received only 22 percent of the required funding so far.