An estimated 50 families have been displaced to Al-Manar camp in East Darfur State, Sudan, after their crops failed due to inadequate rainfall. The affected areas include Riyadh in the Al-Firdous locality, and Tasabih and Kireyo in Al-Arab locality. These families are now facing harsh humanitarian conditions, sheltering under trees without proper facilities.

The displaced individuals have reported receiving no humanitarian assistance since arriving at the camp. They are struggling to access basic necessities, including food. Khidim Mohammed, a displaced woman, highlighted the dire situation, mentioning that her family, which includes people with disabilities, has received no assistance. She emphasized the lack of essential items, such as blankets and bedding.

The agricultural seasons over the past two years have been unsuccessful, leading to the destruction of crops. Displaced women have expressed their struggles in supporting their children, with many men absent. One displaced woman noted that she had expected better conditions after fleeing her home but instead encountered similar hardships.

Gidam Mahmoud, a blind displaced man, shared his experience of losing his sight and being unable to provide for his family. He stated that when the farm they depended on for food failed, they were forced to flee. This highlights the severe impact of crop failure on vulnerable individuals.

Abdelrahman Hammad, another displaced man, described the hunger and lack of basic shelter facing his family. He cited deteriorating environmental conditions in Kireyo, the area from which he fled, and emphasized the dire conditions at the camp, where people are living exposed to the rain without any covering.

Yousuf Hassan Omar, a member of Al-Manar Camp Higher Committee, confirmed that new arrivals continue to reach the camp, where many are sheltering under trees without access to latrines. He warned of deteriorating health conditions, with existing latrines becoming insufficient for the growing population, and some displaced people being forced to relieve themselves in the open.

Omar appealed for urgent assistance, urging well-wishers, philanthropists, aid organizations, and civil society organizations to intervene and address this emergency. The situation at Al-Manar camp is critical, with the displaced population in urgent need of support to address their humanitarian needs and prevent a potential health crisis.

Key points

  • 50 families displaced due to crop failure caused by inadequate rainfall
  • Displaced individuals face harsh humanitarian conditions without access to food, shelter, or basic necessities
  • Health conditions at the camp are deteriorating, with a risk of a health crisis due to insufficient latrines and poor sanitation

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.