Sudan Events – Follow-ups
A United Nations Agency estimated the number of those displaced from Greater Madani locality in Gezira state in central Sudan at about 15,000 persons following the confrontations that broke out between Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support militia (RSF) on Friday.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an update on the situation in Sudan that air strikes were reported on December 15 and 16 in the western, northern and eastern parts of Wad Madani and near the village of Al-Sharfa Barakat, north of the city, following the outbreak of fighting on the morning of December 15, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF on the peripheries of Wad Madani.
It added that intermittent gunfire on December 15 and 16 in different areas of Wad Madani, and the clashes are still continuing. It further pointed out that panic was reportedly increasing among civilians in the town and people were seen leaving in cars and on foot, and the situation remains tense and unpredictable.
The statement stated that, according to the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, approximately 14,000-15,000 people have been displaced from Greater Madani locality.
OCHA pointed out that the affected residents took refuge in the neighborhoods located west of the city of Wad Medani, in addition to other locations in Gezira, and towards the states of Sinnar and Gadarif. It explained that there was also a displacement to Gadarif State, with about 1,500 displaced people arriving in Al-Faw locality, about 3,000 displaced people in Gadarif city, and about 250 displaced people in Al-Rahad locality.
It noted that shops and markets have remained closed since December 15 in Wad Madani, and the Hantoub Wad Madani Bridge has been partially closed by the armed forces as a security measure.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that Wad Madani has served as a hub for humanitarian operations since the outbreak of fighting last April. Humanitarian organizations have reduced their presence in Wad Madani due to the security situation, and staff have moved to neighboring countries to be in a position to return to address the growing humanitarian burden as soon as the situation is so permitted.
It also indicated that all humanitarian field missions in and from Gezira State have been suspended from December 15 until further notice.
