NNA – Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that erupted on 15 April 2023 continue into the fourth day. Fighting continues to be reported in different parts of the country and in the capital, Khartoum. In Khartoum, the clashes involved light and heavy weaponry while the Sudanese Air Force attacked targets within the city.
Humanitarian activities have been interrupted in many states due to widespread insecurity with many reports of looting humanitarian assets. In some states, such as Central Darfur and South Darfur, the compounds and guesthouses of many humanitarian organizations were looted. At least one warehouse containing food and other humanitarian supplies was also looted. In many cases, vehicles were also taken. The overall impact will be significant, and humanitarian organizations will struggle to recommence programmes without crucial assets and supplies as they try to respond to the 15.8 million people in Sudan who are assessed to need humanitarian assistance.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced the temporary suspension of operations in Sudan following the death of three WFP staff and the injury of two others caught in the crossfire of the clashes in Kebkabiya, North Darfur (WFP Statement).
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on 17 April that several hospitals in Khartoum have run out of blood, and transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids and other vital supplies. Sources report that the death toll has now reached over 180 with another 1,800 injured.
The Sudan Doctors’ Union has reported that in addition to critical shortages, many hospitals have had to close having been shelled or forced to evacuate. Nine hospitals are closed in Khartoum City and a further three have been forced to close in Bahri in Khartoum North. It is thought that a further 12 hospitals are in danger of closing due to a lack of supplies.
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