The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is deeply concerned about the growing impact of drone attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure across Sudan.
Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, while briefing the media in New York on Wednesday, said local sources say that at least 28 people were killed and dozens more injured on Tuesday in a drone attack on a crowded market in Ghubaysh town, in West Kordofan.
“Additional drone strikes were reported in the cities of Al Fula, Babanusa, and Abu Zabad, reportedly causing further civilian casualties and damage to civilian property,” he said. “We, of course, condemn each of those deadly drone attacks.”
Dujarric said that despite insecurity and limits on access, the UN and its partners continue to provide life-saving aid to people across Sudan.
“Across the country, humanitarian organizations reached nine million people between January and April this year. In South Darfur, about 170,000 people received food rations for April, and distributions for May are obviously underway,” he said. “Our partners and we are also supporting aid convoys in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, after the reopening on Monday of a crucial road linking North and South Kordofan following months of disruptions caused by fighting and insecurity.”
“Our partners have started using the road to move medical and other life-saving supplies to the city of Dilling, where shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies have increased humanitarian needs,” he added.
However, the spokesperson disclosed that security conditions along the route remain unstable. Local sources said that drone strikes on Wednesday hit Dilling and nearby areas, reportedly striking a commercial truck and causing civilian damage.
Dujarric reiterated calls to all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to allow aid to reach people quickly, safely, and without any obstruction.
“Meanwhile, rising economic hardship and funding shortfalls are increasing humanitarian needs,” he stated. “The World Food Programme reports that the cost of its local food basket in Sudan rose by nearly 18 per cent in April compared to March. That is driven by sharp increases in the prices of sorghum and wheat flour.”
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