IOM says humanitarian operations in Sudan's North Darfur are 'on the brink of collapse'

Key Concepts

• Humanitarian Operations Collapse: The critical state of aid delivery in Sudan's North Darfur region.
• Displacement Crisis: The massive movement of people from their homes due to conflict.
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Paramilitary group accused of atrocities in El Fasher.
• Towila and Al Fasher: Locations in Sudan experiencing significant displacement and violence.
• Funding Shortfall: The severe lack of financial resources for humanitarian aid in Sudan.
• Access to Civilians: The challenge of reaching vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
• Humanitarian Corridor: A safe passage for aid delivery.
• Regional Instability: The impact of the Sudan conflict on neighboring countries.
• Political and Diplomatic Engagement: The necessity of peace negotiations to address the root cause of the crisis.

Humanitarian Operations on the Brink of Collapse in Sudan

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning that humanitarian operations in Sudan's North Darfur region are nearing collapse. This critical situation is exacerbated by the recent seizure of the region's capital, El Fasher, by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) late last month. The RSF is reportedly responsible for widespread atrocities within the city.

Mass Displacement and Overwhelmed Facilities

El Fasher:

• Nearly 90,000 people have fled El Fasher since its seizure by the RSF.
• Many of these displaced individuals are arriving in Towila, a neighboring region already struggling with overcrowded displacement camps.
• Existing facilities in Towila are overwhelmed, leading to severe shortages of food, shelter, and medical supplies.

North Kordofan:

• An additional 39,000 people have fled violence in the neighboring North Kordofan region since late October.

Overall Displacement:

• The IOM reports that over the past two weeks, the total displacement has reached 150,000 people.
• The war in Sudan, spanning over two years, has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths and displaced 12 million people. Aid groups suggest the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

Severe Funding Shortfall for Humanitarian Aid

Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, highlighted the dire financial situation. She stated that the funding available for the IOM's mission in Sudan is "less than 8% of the need." This deficit means that more people will suffer, and many will lack basic necessities like housing and support.

Reasons for the Funding Gap:

• Lack of Public Attention: The crisis in Sudan, described as the "largest displacement crisis in the world," has not received adequate public attention, leading to insufficient donor engagement.
• Global Humanitarian Funding Cuts: The broader humanitarian system has experienced significant funding cuts, making it difficult to allocate sufficient resources to crises worldwide.

Harrowing Accounts from Displaced Persons

Pope shared deeply disturbing accounts from individuals she met in a displaced person's camp in Alfa.

• Demographics: Over 90% of those arriving are women and children.
• Escape Conditions: People fled with minimal possessions, carrying children, and many did not survive the journey. Witness accounts include seeing dead bodies along the way.
• Survival Tactics: Displaced individuals resorted to creating makeshift trenches to avoid being targeted by gunfire or drones.
• Sexual Violence: Survivors reported experiencing "unspeakable, unbearable sexual trauma and sexual abuse."

Challenges in Accessing Those Remaining in El Fasher

For the tens of thousands of people still in El Fasher, the primary concern is gaining access to provide life-saving support.

• Access Issues: Humanitarian actors face significant risks, including being killed, shot, or detained, which prevents them from delivering aid.
• IOM Team Member Casualties: The IOM itself has lost team members and seen others harmed while attempting to provide assistance.
• Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Corridor: The IOM emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor to allow aid groups to reach civilians caught in the conflict.

The Need for Political Engagement and Sustained Attention

Pope stressed that without peace, humanitarian aid can only serve as a "band-aid."

• Political and Diplomatic Engagement: Essential for resolving the conflict. This includes raising awareness about the conflict and its regional implications.
• Regional Impact: The conflict is already causing displacement to neighboring countries like Chad, Libya, and Egypt, highlighting its regional destabilizing effect.
• Sustained Attention: Public, governmental, and international attention is crucial for securing the necessary engagement and resources.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The situation in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, is a critical humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement, widespread atrocities, and a severe lack of resources. The IOM's warning underscores the urgent need for both immediate humanitarian assistance and sustained political and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and prevent further loss of life. Acting now requires recognizing the interconnectedness of peace and aid, increasing public awareness, and demanding greater engagement from governments and international bodies.