Insecurity hampers aid in Mellit, North Darfur

Humanitarian operations in North Darfur’s Mellit locality have been adversely affected by insecurity caused by violence between the Berti and Zyadiya tribes that started on 27 February, according to the latest report issued by the UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA).

Fighting was reported between 26 and 28 March in villages surrounding Mellit town. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported the displacement of an estimated 8,000 people (1,600 families) who have arrived in Saiyha town and surrounding area and an estimated 135 people (27 families) who have arrived at Abassi camp. Some aid agencies have limited their activities due to the security situation.

The Sudanese Red Crescent suspended operations in the 11 health facilities they run in the area, and the World Food Programme (WFP) postponed its displaced profiling exercise. Some organisations withdraw their staff from the area. Humanitarian organisations are planning to undertake a rapid fact-finding mission to assess the situation on the ground.

Aid agencies continue to provide assistance to people displaced following fighting between government forces and armed movements in North Darfur’s Tawila locality and some parts of the Jebel Marra area. The agencies have verified 31,800 newly displaced people, of whom the IOM has registered 29,500.