IOM calls on all parties to ensure the safety of humanitarians and allow their unrestricted access to be able to assist those most vulnerable. IOM’s Response Overview for the Sudan Crisis and Neighboring Countries contributes to addressing the humanitarian needs inside Sudan and the complexities of a mixed movements response that is inclusive of the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), migrant returnees, third country nationals (TCNs), host communities, refugees and Government entities responding to the crisis. IOM’s planned response was coordinated with Governments and humanitarian partners.
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Over three months into the conflict, heavy fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues at the same pace with no signs of a possible resolution of the conflict or successful ceasefire after at least nine failed attempts. Reports indicate a deterioration of the situation and continuation of deadly attacks across Khartoum, including in Ombada, Tuti Island, Omdurman and Bahri, across Darfur, the three Kordofan states and Blue Nile. In newly released statements, RSF claimed control over Kass and Ed Dein after defeating Brigade 61 and the defecting of the Central Reserve Police Forces in Ed Dein respectively.
Following the inaugural IGAD Quartet meeting, the Sudanese Government has rejected any discussion of sending foreign troops, including the East Africa Stanby Force (EASF), into Sudan without the consent of the Sudanese government. A delegation of Juba Peace Agreement signatories was hosted in Chad to discuss the situation in Sudan where Chadian President, Mahamat Idriss Deby also stated that the involvement of Chadian opposition military elements in the conflict did not reflect Chad’s position. During the Sudan Neighbour’s summit in Cairo (Communique), Heads of State of Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Chad, Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan, as well as the AU Commission Chairperson and the League of Arab States Secretary General agreed to launch an inclusive political process and to form a mechanism comprised of foreign ministers of neighbouring countries to action a plan to end the war, lessen the impact of the crisis and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Media outlets report the arrival of Sudanese government representatives and RSF counterparts in Jeddah, speculating to the renewal of the Jeddah Talks facilitated by Egypt and under auspices of KSA and USA. Both SAF and RSF reiterated their openness to initiatives aimed at ending the conflict and to that end, Lieutenant General Dagalo, announced the establishment of “Committee for Liaising with Political and Community Forces and Armed Struggle Movements” to be chaired by Mr. Yousif Izzat to liaise on the negotiation and regional processes.
In Darfur, clashes were reported in Zalingei (Central Darfur), whilst continued looting was reported in Nyala (South Darfur) and El Geneina (West Darfur). In Kass, South Darfur, fighting broke out between SAF and RSF causing 4,500 to 5,000 new displacements (DTM Flash Alert). OHCHR reported the discovery of a mass grave outside El Geneina (West Darfur), where at least 87 bodies were discovered. International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan announced the launch of an investigation into the allegation of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur. In South Kordofan (Kadugli) and Blue Nile (Kurmuk), fighting between SAF and SPLM/N-AH continued to be reported, with SPLM/N-AH reportedly gaining control of SAF camp in Kurgol (DTM Flash Alert). In North Kordofan (El Obeid), fighting also reportedly continued – whilst local communities organized protests against RSF.
In Gedaref, the Wali has restricted access to new arrivals citing security concerns as the reason prompting the decision.
The current total estimate of recently displaced individuals across Sudan has reached 2,613,036 Individuals (523,142 Households). The current DTM assessment has observed the IDP caseload in all of Sudan’s 18 states. The highest proportions of IDPs have been observed in River Nile (16.38%), Northern (13.73%), White Nile (10.25%), and Sennar (8.08%) states. Field teams report that the IDPs observed were originally displaced from eight states. The majority (73.13%) have been reportedly displaced from Khartoum state; followed by West Darfur (8.01%), North Darfur (7.26%), South Darfur (6.34%), Central Darfur (4.58%), North Kordofan (0.37%), South Kordofan (0.30%), and Aj Jazirah (0.01%).
In addition to the internal displacement, the context in Sudan caused the mixed cross-border movements of 757,230 individuals into neighbouring countries namely Egypt, Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Ethiopia. 64% of arrivals tracked in those countries were Sudanese nationals and 36% estimated foreign nationals and returnees. The majority of arrivals were reported in Egypt (33.7%), Chad (31.8%), and South Sudan (23%).
Humanitarian needs across the Sudan and in neighbouring countries continue to rise as the situation deteriorates. On 16 July, the General Command of the Armed Forces announced that Alia Specialist Hospital in Omdurman was attacked causing great damage. The health system is close to collapse, functioning hospitals report further shortage in medicines and sometimes 32 hours shifts of doctors and nurses. The production of staple crops is threatened by the conflict and farmers warn of low productivity. The rainy season and flooding will further exacerbate an already precarious situation, amplifying the risks of disease outbreaks. The complexity of the operational context in Sudan and the challenges it presents for humanitarian actors to respond to the needs of affected populations was also highlighted in the recent statement by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths.
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