Unamid assists growing number in North, Central Darfur

The number of civilians seeking refuge in the vicinity of the Unamid team site in Sortoni, North Darfur, has increased to 14,770.

These newly displaced people include 1,493 men, 4,097 women, and 9,180 children, Unamid reports in a press statement this afternoon.

The figures represent a more than 52 percent increase in just 24 hours, reportedly caused by intensified aerial bombings carried out during the afternoon of 25 January, the statement reads. 

On 26 January, the World Food Programme and national NGOs arrived at the base in Sortoni to carry out a rapid verification and humanitarian needs assessment exercise.

Thirteen newly displaced families have also arrived in the Rwanda camp for the displaced in Tawila, North Darfur, taking the total number of recently displaced in the Rwanda and Argo camps to 3,264. Aid organisations are providing the displaced with emergency humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, on 26 January, Unamid received information that 19 villages near Rokoro, in northern Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, burned down during battles. Most residents of these villages are reported to have fled to Sortoni, Kabkabiya, and Tawila, while others have sought shelter in surrounding mountains. Many children are also reported to have gone missing.

Unamid is working with relevant local authorities to conduct inter-agency assessment missions to Nierteti and surrounding areas in Central Darfur, including Thur, where the influx of newly displaced is reported to be increasing.

The Mission remains constantly engaged with the civilians displaced by the ongoing fighting between government forces and armed movements in Jebel Marra, the statement concludes.