Nearly 20,000 people have fled their homes in Sudan’s Blue Nile state as fighting intensifies. The latest displacement follows a sharp deterioration in security across the region.
The Geissan Emergency Room said the City 12 area had experienced a new wave of displacement. Residents and people already living in shelters were among those forced to leave.
Initial estimates put the number of displaced people at almost 20,000. The group said families, children, women and elderly people were among those affected.
Displaced families face shortages
Many displaced people have scattered across several areas in Blue Nile state. Some have moved towards Shira, Abu Qami and Al-Hilla Al-Qadima.
Others have travelled east to Wad Al-Mahi locality. Some families have also sought shelter in Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile state.
The relief group warned that displaced families face “dire humanitarian conditions”. It said shortages of shelter materials and other basic necessities were adding to the pressure.
Aid groups urged to respond
The Geissan Emergency Room called on humanitarian organisations to respond urgently. It also appealed to local and international bodies to provide assistance.
The group said displaced families need shelter, essential supplies and healthcare support. It warned that the worsening conditions could create further humanitarian and health problems.
The latest displacement comes after two days of intense fighting in Blue Nile. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have attacked several areas in the state.
RSF claims military bases captured
The RSF said on Friday that it had seized the Bakori and Sirkam military bases. Both bases are located southeast of Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile state.
Fighting has also continued in Darfur and the three Kordofan states. North, West and South Kordofan have all seen clashes between the Sudanese army and the RSF.
Sudan has remained locked in war since April 2023. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced about 13 million, according to UN and international estimates.
