Hundreds of families who fled fighting in the strategic Kurmuk border town in Sudan's Blue Nile State are facing difficult conditions in Al-Karma camp. The displaced people are struggling with shortages of food and water, inadequate shelter, and limited access to healthcare services. The situation has been exacerbated by the suspension of humanitarian funding, which has affected more than half of the camp's residents.
A member of the camp committee revealed that displaced people are facing multiple challenges, most notably a severe shortage of water. Residents are forced to fetch water from the Blue Nile River, which has risen due to rains, increasing risks, particularly for elderly people and pregnant women. The lack of adequate toilets and sanitation facilities also poses a risk of environmental disasters.
The camp's women's affairs official highlighted that women are facing extremely difficult conditions, particularly pregnant and breastfeeding women, due to limited healthcare services inside the camp. Some pregnant women have died from complications during childbirth, while others have miscarried due to inadequate services. Mothers also face difficulties obtaining treatment and medical care for their children.
Children in the camp are suffering from illnesses associated with malnutrition and anemia amid difficult living conditions and shortages of food and healthcare services. A displaced woman from Kurmuk, who lost her husband in the war, recounted her struggles in caring for her seven children alone. She lost her one-year-old daughter due to the lack of necessary healthcare.
The suffering of displaced people from Kurmuk town is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by those in need of food, clean water, adequate shelter, and healthcare services, particularly for women and children. With the rainy season continuing and the Nile's water level rising, providing water and basic services inside the camp has become an urgent necessity.
Meanwhile, residents of Damazin, the capital of the Blue Nile State, have complained about repeated gunfire, particularly during evening hours, amid fears that civilians could be injured. The sound of gunfire has caused concern among residents, particularly children and the elderly, who no longer feel safe at night.
The developments come as military operations continue between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces in the localities of Geissan and Kurmuk. Residents in Damazin are calling on the authorities to clarify the reasons for the repeated gunfire and take measures to reduce it, particularly during evening hours, to enhance civilian safety.
Key points
- Displaced people in Al-Karma camp face dire conditions, including shortages of food, water, shelter, and healthcare services.
- The suspension of humanitarian funding has exacerbated the situation, affecting more than half of the camp's residents.
- Residents of Damazin are calling on authorities to address the repeated gunfire and enhance civilian safety.
