The ongoing conflict in Sudan’s North Darfur region has reached a critical juncture, with the embattled capital of el-Fasher becoming a focal point of violence. According to Ugochi Daniels, Deputy Director General for Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the fighting has tripled the number of displaced people in Tawila, a town 60 kilometers away, and reduced el-Fasher’s population by 62% this year alone. Daniels emphasized that Sudan is now the world’s largest displacement crisis, with over 12 million people displaced and 24 million facing acute food insecurity. The conflict, which began in 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military, has claimed at least 40,000 lives and devastated infrastructure, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan. El-Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in Darfur, has seen intensified attacks, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The collapse of health care systems has led to rampant diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue fever, with over 113,000 cholera cases and 3,000 deaths recorded since July 2024. Despite efforts to distribute mosquito nets and restore health services, access to essential aid remains severely restricted due to ongoing violence and attacks on aid convoys. Daniels and Sudan’s Health Minister Haitham Ibrahim have called for increased international support and a ceasefire to address the dire situation. Daniels stressed that peace is essential to provide assistance to those in need, as humanitarian funding remains critically low, with only 26% of Sudan’s overall response plan funded.
Fighting in Sudan’s besieged city triples number of displaced people in a nearby town: UN official
