8-14 June Sudan News Summary: Cholera in Nyala, the blockade of El Fasher, and a UN appeal
Arabic news roundup
By William Greenwood
Significant increase in cholera cases in Nyala and an increase in the number of cases in El Geneina
The Ministry of Health in South Darfur State announced that the cumulative number of cholera cases has risen to 136, after 26 new cases were recorded on Wednesday.
The General Department of Health Emergencies and Epidemic Control at the Ministry of Health indicated that the total number of cases since the first case was recorded on May 27 has risen to 136, with ten deaths, most of them in Nyala North, and called on international organisations to intervene urgently.
The El Geneina Emergency Room in West Darfur revealed that the number of cholera cases has risen to eight, including two deaths in El Geneina, in addition to seven cases in Kerinek in West Darfur State.
The Ministry of Health in Khartoum State revealed that 262 cholera cases were recorded in Khartoum State on Tuesday.
From: Dabanga
One road and walls of fear… the blockade exacerbates El Fasher’s crisis
El Fasher is surrounded by a network of six main roads connecting it to the surrounding areas, five of which have been closed due to the blockade imposed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), making the El Fasher-Tawila Road the only available land outlet.
Since last April the RSF has tightened its control over all roads leading to El Fasher with the exception of the Tawila Road, which is under joint control of the RSF and the Sudan Liberation Army Movement (SLA) led by Al-Hadi Idris, making travel on it risky, especially for civilians carrying commercial goods.
The blockade has caused a stifling humanitarian and economic crisis, impacting access to medical services, raising prices, and causing many families to lose their livelihoods.
Relief activist Mohammed Adam confirmed that the blockade has thwarted most attempts to deliver humanitarian aid to the city, whether by international relief organisations or through local initiatives, pointing to the burning of a UN convoy en route to El Fasher by the RSF.
From: Al Jazeera
United Nations issues appeal to protect the Sudanese people and prevent impunity
On Thursday, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher issued an appeal to protect the Sudanese people and prevent impunity.
Fletcher said, "The international community has repeatedly affirmed that we will protect the people of Sudan. It should ask us: will, when, and how we will begin to deliver on that promise?"
The UN Humanitarian Response Plan, developed at the beginning of this year, had received $555.2 million as of May 21, representing 13.3% of the $4.2 billion requested.
Fletcher called on countries with influence to protect civilians, ensure safe access for humanitarian workers, insist on humanitarian ceasefires, and work toward a lasting, comprehensive, and just peace, adding, "This should not be a time of indifference and impunity, but rather of renewed humanitarian solidarity with those most in need and a resolve to hold those responsible accountable."
From: Sudan Tribune
English news roundup
By Samuel Hunt
Survival in Khartoum is a struggle and areas south of the city are at risk of famine
Several areas south of the capital are at risk of famine, with the need on the ground outstripping available resources. [Reuters, Al Jazeera English]
“Over the past six months, WFP scaled up assistance, and we are now reaching nearly one million Sudanese in Khartoum with food and nutrition support. This momentum must continue; several areas in the south are at risk of famine,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Country Director in Sudan. [UN]
Returnees struggle to survive in Khartoum.
“We had bought a bit of furniture and other property from Cairo in order to go back to our home in Khartoum, but we were shocked because there is no way of life here. There is no water, electricity, or health centres.” [New Humanitarian]
Twelve million forcibly displaced since the conflict began in April 2023
According to the UNHCR, 12 million people have now been forcibly displaced, including 7.7 million people internally and 4 million to neighboring countries. [UNHCR]
People are dying from preventable illnesses
Dr. Reza Eshaghian, a Canadian doctor working for MSF in Nyala, South Darfur, has said that people are dying because of preventable illness as well as violence.
“We saw women dying from eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage. People are dying of malaria, malnutrition, diarrhea, dehydration, sepsis. These are things we know how to treat, but there’s no infrastructure left to do it.” [Yahoo News]