A severe crisis is unfolding at the Nahda camp in Atbara, Sudan, where 3,740 displaced families, mostly from Darfur, are struggling with shortages of food, water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare. The camp, located in the Nile River state, has recently received nearly 200 new families from North Darfur who have yet to find adequate shelter. Many families are forced to share tents, while a significant number of old tents have deteriorated.
The Sudanese Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Ma'athim Ahmed Salih, visited the camp on September 29, 2026, and directed the immediate provision of 500 tents to address the shelter crisis. He prioritized assistance for newly arriving families and expedited registration to ensure they receive essential services and aid. The minister appealed to national institutions, organizations, and partners to contribute to providing tents and shelter materials.
Minister Salih also instructed the dispatch of urgent food supplies, as well as the provision of water containers, tanks, mats, and blankets. He ordered the construction of additional latrines and the improvement of existing ones. Furthermore, he requested the installation of two solar-powered grain mills to alleviate the challenge of food processing without relying on fuel.
The minister addressed the issue of identification documents, assuring that the retrieval of lost documents would be done free of charge, in accordance with previous arrangements with the Ministries of Interior and Finance. A team from the Civil Registry will be sent to the camp to facilitate the process. He also pledged to work with relevant authorities to find a solution for hundreds of children in the camp who are not attending school.
In the healthcare sector, Minister Salih instructed the establishment of an additional health center within the camp and the extension of operating hours at the existing center until 7 pm. He also ordered the provision of essential medicines, particularly for those with chronic illnesses, and the organization of a specialized eye clinic.
The crisis in the Nahda camp highlights the ongoing challenges faced by displaced persons in Sudan. The situation demands a coordinated response from the government, humanitarian organizations, and partners to address the pressing needs of the affected populations. The minister's visit and directives aim to provide immediate relief and improve living conditions for the displaced families.
The government's efforts to address the crisis include collaboration with national and international partners to provide essential services and support to the displaced populations. The situation in the Nahda camp serves as a reminder of the need for sustained humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflict and displacement in Sudan.
Key points
- The Sudanese government has pledged to provide 500 tents to the Nahda camp to address the shelter crisis.
- The camp is facing severe shortages of food, water, sanitation, and healthcare services.
- The government has directed the establishment of an additional health center and the extension of operating hours at the existing center.
