South Kordofan faces deepening humanitarian woes following recent clashes

In a week marred by clashes between the Sudan People Liberation Movement-North faction, led by Abdelaziz El Hilu (SPLM-N El Hilu), and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Delling in South Kordofan, a semblance of security stability has reportedly emerged in the town, yesterday. However, the situation in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, tells a starkly different tale of humanitarian distress.

A resident in Kadugli disclosed dire circumstances to Radio Dabanga, citing a severe sorghum shortage, a vital crop in the country. A significant portion of the population relies on sorghum for sustenance, yet “families find themselves unable to afford more than one meal a day”. Prices of essential goods from South Sudan have also witnessed a notable surge, aggravating the food crisis.

Displaced people in Kadugli face alarming conditions, divided primarily into three groups: those fleeing conflict in Khartoum and El Obeid, those displaced by the war between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF, those displaced due to the war between the SAF and SPLM-N on Kadugli’s outskirts, and displaced populations from Lagawa, West Kordofan.

Health conditions are critical, aggravated by a severe scarcity of medicines, especially those vital for chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Patients resort to the black market, facing exorbitant prices for life-saving medications.

Residents in the eastern localities of South Kordofan are also reportedly facing a confluence of critical humanitarian and security challenges. Despite basic commodities being available in markets, economic hardships persist, leaving people unable to afford essential goods.

The proliferation of weapons and ammunition in South Kordofan both before and at the war’s onset, also contributed to a significant deterioration in security. Incidents of armed robberies and looting are reported to have claimed many lives, exacerbating an already precarious situation.