Tens of thousands of people are fleeing new fighting in southeast Sudan as the war spreads, leaving civilians with no safe refuge. Clashes in Sennar State, one of Sudan’s largest agricultural regions, are heightening famine risks nationwide, warns Islamic Relief.
More than 60,000 people fled Sinja town this week after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the area. Heavy fighting continues in the nearby key city of Sennar, forcing Islamic Relief staff and other aid workers to leave due to extreme insecurity.
Up to 130,000 people are expected to flee Sennar State in the coming days. Fears are growing that the conflict will spread further east towards Gedaref, a crucial hub for humanitarian staff and supplies. This would significantly disrupt humanitarian efforts when aid is urgently needed.
Previously considered one of Sudan’s safest areas, Sennar State had sheltered hundreds of thousands of civilians fleeing violence from regions like Khartoum and Al Jazira. Now, many of these people are being forced to flee again due to the new hostilities.
The conflict has devastated cultivated areas, exacerbating food shortages and threatening widespread famine. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with international calls for peace and aid growing ever more urgent.
