The United Nations is preparing to scale up its presence in Sudan as deadly violence intensifies across the country, with senior officials warning that the humanitarian crisis is deepening at alarming speed.
During a recent mission to Sudan, the UN’s humanitarian chief described scenes of devastation in El Fasher, calling the city a crime scene after receiving accounts of killings and abuses from survivors. He said the scale of the suffering demands a far stronger UN footprint inside the country urging an increase in personnel and expanded access to conflict-hit areas.
The visit was part of a broader surge of high level UN engagement over the coming weeks, involving leaders from agencies such as the International Organization for Migration and the World Food Programme. Officials say the coordinated push is meant to accelerate response efforts amid deteriorating conditions.
Fighting in Darfur, the Kordofans and other regions has displaced thousands more people, adding pressure to an already overwhelmed humanitarian operation. The UN estimates that nearly two thirds of Sudan’s population now require some form of assistance, while available funding remains far below what is needed.
UN officials noted some progress in discussions to secure access to El Fasher under agreed humanitarian terms but stressed that safe corridors and unhindered movement remain urgent priorities. They also called on all armed groups to protect civilians, halt atrocities and allow life-saving aid to reach those in need.
As violence spreads and needs rise, the UN says shifting from remote operations to a stronger on ground presence is essential to prevent the crisis from escalating even further.