Reports from Al Arabiya’s correspondent today, Saturday, reveal that raids conducted by the Sudanese army in El Fasher have compelled hundreds of civilians to flee their homes.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now nearing its tenth month, has led to significant civilian displacement and infrastructure destruction, sparking fears of famine and prompting millions to seek refuge both within and outside the country’s borders.
The United Nations has called on the international community not to forget the civilians suffering from the conflict in Sudan, urging for a collective effort to raise $4.1 billion to meet their humanitarian needs and support those who have fled to neighboring countries. A
ccording to the UN, half of Sudan’s population, approximately 25 million people, require humanitarian aid and protection. Over 1.5 million individuals have already sought refuge in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlighted an alarming potential crisis on Friday, estimating that 700,000 children in Sudan could suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year, with the possibility of tens of thousands dying if aid does not reach them in time.
James Elder, UNICEF’s spokesperson, emphasized the dire situation during a press conference in Geneva, stating, “The last 300 days have led us to believe that more than 700,000 children will suffer from the worst forms of malnutrition this year.”
Elder defined the most severe form of malnutrition as a critical condition that increases a child’s mortality risk by tenfold due to diseases like cholera and malaria. He further noted that an estimated 3.5 million children are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition.
UNICEF is providing life-saving therapeutic foods to treat severe wasting in children under five, but Elder lamented the insufficiency of funds collected in previous appeals.
UNICEF is seeking $840 million to assist over 7.5 million children in Sudan this year. However, Elder expressed regret that the funding obtained last year fell short of covering the needs of three-quarters of Sudan’s children in need.
The situation in Sudan continues to be critical, with the international community urged to step up its support to avert further humanitarian catastrophe.
