Over 19,000 Sudanese seeking refuge in South Sudan as conflict persists: UN

People are seen at the Um Rakuba refugee camp as they continue to live under harsh conditions in eastern Al -Qadarif State, Sudan on February 20, 2021 [Mahmoud Hjaj/Anadolu Agency]

Violent clashes which erupted between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have forced over 19,000 refugees to relocate to neighboring South Sudan, the UN said in a report.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan said over the weekend that the number of arrivals is projected to continue increasing as the conflict in Sudan persists.

“Poor road and terrain conditions in the rainy season and unpredictable security situation together with shortage of funding to sustain operations remain key challenges,” the UN said.

Children are more vulnerable than ever, with many out of school, it further said.

The report said that the partners of the Emergency Response Plan have already made significant strides in assisting those in need, but the scale of the crisis requires more support.

More than 4 million people remain displaced in Sudan, 2.5 million internally and 2.2 million in neighboring countries, according to the UN.

Fighting in Sudan on April 15 has resulted in an influx of people fleeing the country to neighboring countries, including South Sudan.

The UN has warned that further development of the conflict in Sudan could destabilize the wider region.