Algerian Radio
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of the rapid deterioration of the security situation in the city of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State in Sudan, cautioning that it could trigger a new wave of violence and massive population displacement, further exacerbating the food crisis the country is experiencing.
In a statement published on Saturday, the WFP indicated that "this alert comes amid intensifying fighting in the state, marked by a resurgence of drone attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as significant military activity reported on the outskirts of El-Obeid."
The UN agency highlighted that "a potential attack on the city could force hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee in search of food and safety."
The WFP specified "that it is continuing the distribution of food assistance and cash aid to more than 100,000 of the most vulnerable people in El-Obeid. It is also reinforcing its relief stocks in the region to be able to assist more than 250,000 people likely to leave the city if the situation continues to deteriorate."
The organization also indicated that it urgently needs $646 million to continue its vital humanitarian operations in Sudan over the next six months.
In conclusion, the WFP renewed its call for "the protection of civilians and humanitarian operations," urging the concerned parties to "guarantee safe passage for people seeking safety and to ensure rapid, safe, sustainable, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid in El-Obeid as well as throughout Sudan."
Since April 2023, Sudan has been the scene of a conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—a conflict that has left thousands dead and caused the displacement of millions of people.
