Aid cuts leave Sudan’s displaced struggling in Northern state camps

Key Concepts

• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Individuals forced to leave their homes but remain within their country's borders.
• RSF (Rapid Support Forces): A paramilitary group in Sudan currently engaged in conflict with the Sudanese Army.
• Humanitarian Crisis: A situation where there is a severe threat to human life, health, or safety, often requiring international assistance.
• Funding Shortage: A lack of financial resources to support humanitarian operations.
• Famine: A widespread scarcity of food, causing widespread starvation and death.

The Situation in Al Duba Displacement Camp, Northern Sudan

The Al Duba displacement camp in northern Sudan, established in November, currently hosts approximately 26,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), though residents believe the actual number is significantly higher due to under-registration. These individuals are primarily fleeing the escalating conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), particularly in the Darfur and Kurdufan regions, which have become key battlegrounds since 2023. The situation is compounded by a declared famine in both Darfur and Kurdufan, driving desperate people to seek refuge in camps like Al Duba.

Challenges in Receiving Humanitarian Assistance

Despite offering a degree of safety, the Al Duba camp faces critical limitations in providing adequate humanitarian assistance. Muna Abdul Rahman, a recent arrival from Alfasir after a three-month journey escaping RSF control, reports receiving no aid – not even a tent – after nearly a month in the camp. She relies on assistance from other displaced people through community kitchens, which are themselves inconsistent in their ability to provide food. She states, “They've not given us anything. They've not even given us food. Only the other displaced people help us.” Her family is suffering from illness, including respiratory problems in her children, due to the lack of shelter and resources.

Long-Term Residents Face Similar Struggles

The lack of aid isn’t limited to new arrivals. Sarah Yaha, who arrived at the camp after weeks in a reception center, having fled Al Faser before its takeover by the RSF, reports receiving aid distributions only twice in the past three months. These distributions included assistance from the Qatar Foundation, four blankets, and a bucket. She emphasizes the inadequacy of the supplies, stating, “The supplies we get don't last a family for more than a week.” This highlights a systemic issue of insufficient and infrequent aid delivery.

UN Funding Shortage and Operational Limitations

The United Nations attributes the limited aid distribution to a significant funding shortage, forcing it to cut aid distributions and scale back its operations. This directly impacts the ability to provide consistent support to the thousands of families residing in the camp, leading to prolonged waiting periods for assistance, or in many cases, receiving none at all. The UN warns that without increased funding, providing assistance in Al Duba and other camps across Sudan will become increasingly difficult.

Continuous Influx of Displaced Persons

Despite the dire conditions, people continue to arrive at the Al Duba camp seeking refuge, further straining the already limited resources. This ongoing influx underscores the severity of the conflict and the growing humanitarian needs within Sudan.

Conclusion

The situation in the Al Duba displacement camp exemplifies the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese Army and the RSF, coupled with famine conditions and a critical funding shortage, is creating a desperate situation for internally displaced persons. The testimonies of Muna Abdul Rahman and Sarah Yaha vividly illustrate the lack of basic necessities – shelter, food, and medical care – and the urgent need for increased international aid to prevent further suffering and loss of life.