Sudan Humanitarian Update (4 January 2024) [EN/AR]

HIGHLIGHTS

  • More than 7.3 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on 15 April 2023.

  • The number of people displaced in Sudan has increased by about 500,000 in one month, mainly due to the conflict-induced displacement from parts of Aj Jazirah and other states.

  • Prices for grains across major markets in Sudan followed a mixed pattern in November 2023 compared to their one-year-earlier levels, with reductions in some and increases in other markets.

  • Insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff are affecting the delivery of humanitarian aid in many parts of the country.

  • The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan appeal is only 40.8 per cent funded as of 4 January 2024.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted on 15 April 2023 in the capital Khartoum, more than 7.3 million people have fled their homes, taking refuge inside and outside the country, with children representing about half of the people displaced. Sudan is now the country with the largest number of displaced people and the largest child displacement crisis in the world. The total number of people displaced within Sudan has increased by an estimated 500,000 people in one month, mainly due to people newly displaced from Wad Medani and surrounding areas in Aj Jazirah State who sought safety and shelter in other states since 15 December 2023.

According to the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM DTM) Sudan Weekly Displacement Snapshot (15), more than 5.9 million people have been displaced. These IDPs are in 6,213 locations across all of Sudan’s 18 states. The highest proportions of IDPs are in South Darfur (13 per cent), East Darfur (11 per cent), River Nile (11 per cent), Aj Jazirah (8 per cent), and North Darfur (8 per cent). IOM DTM field teams report that the IDPs have originally been displaced from 12 states. The majority – 3.6 million people or 61 per cent of the total – have been displaced from Khartoum State; followed by South Darfur (16 per cent), North Darfur (8 per cent), Aj Jazirah (5 per cent), Central Darfur (4 per cent), West Darfur (3 per cent) and other states. In addition, about 1.4 million people crossed into neighbouring countries since 15 April 2023, according to UNHCR.

Due to a recent conflict between the SAF and RSF in Medani and Sharg Aj Jazirah localities in Aj Jazirah state, widespread displacement was observed across Aj Jazriah, Sennar and White Nile states resulting in approximately 234,000 individuals secondarily displaced during December 2023, according to IOM DTM.

Impact of conflict on civilians

On 27 December 2023, the RSF attacked Madina Arab village of Janub Al Jazirah locality in Aj Jazirah State. Clashes were reported in the local market and the national road between Janub Al Jazirah and Medani Al Kubra localities. IOM DTM field teams report that the attacks have led to widespread civilian displacement and four people died. Estimates on the number of displaced people are yet to be confirmed.

In North Kordofan State, about 420 people were displaced on 29 December 2023 after inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba, Al Asra, and Shanabla tribesmen in Arsh Al Yoi village in Um Rawaba locality, North Kordofan State. The cause of the violence remains unknown. IOM DTM field teams report that the displaced people sought safety and shelter in Um Rawaba town. The situation on the ground remains tense and unpredictable. On 30 December 2023, inter-communal clashes renewed between Nuba tribesmen and Arab Bagara tribesmen in Al Hujairat village of Ar Rahad locality, North Kordofan. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over livestock. IOM DTM field teams report that about 315 people have been displaced from Al Hujairat village. Affected households have sought refuge in the Sidrah, Karshoum and Ad Damaer villages of Ar Rahad locality.

In South Darfur State, armed clashes renewed on 29 December 2023, between the SAF and the RSF in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State. Clashes were reported in the As Salam neighborhood, in Domaya and Al Mawashi markets and on Domaya bridge. As a result of the violence, 10 persons were killed and another 13 injured. IOM DTM field teams reported that about 350 people were displaced to the As Salam and Otash IDP camps near Nyala.

Grain prices reduce in some markets and increase in others – FEWS NET

Prices for grains across major markets in Sudan followed a mixed pattern in November 2023 compared to their one-year earlier levels, with reductions in some and increases in other markets, according to the December 2023 FEWS NET Food Price Bulletin for Sudan. In November 2023, sorghum prices in Ed Damazine and Nyala markets were about 60 and 40 per cent lower respectively than their year-earlier levels. In El Obeid and Omdurman, they were about 40 and 60 per cent higher respectively compared to November 2022 levels. Wheat prices have been increasing across all markets, with the highest year-on-year increase reported from Omdurman (over 140 per cent increase) and El Fasher (70 per cent increase). November prices for millet in El Fasher were marginally higher than their one-year earlier levels, and slightly lower in Nyala, according to FEWS NET. Sorghum, millet, and wheat are northern Sudan's most important food commodities. Sorghum is the staple food for most poor households in central and eastern Sudan. Millet is the main staple food for most households in Darfur and some parts of the Kordofan regions in western Sudan. Wheat is most often used as a substitute all over northern Sudan, but it is a staple food for northern states.