Sudan Crisis: Children Dying Under El Fasher Blockade

Around 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children, remain trapped in El Fasher’s main camp for displaced people. They have endured over 16 months without aid as the city stays under siege.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), in conflict with Sudan’s military government for more than two years, have blocked all supply routes since May 2024. El Fasher is now the last major urban area still under government control.

UNICEF Raises Alarm

UNICEF warned that the situation for children is catastrophic. Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s Executive Director, said:

“Children in El Fasher are starving while lifesaving nutrition services are being blocked.”

Medical supplies are nearly gone. At least 6,000 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) lack treatment. Without therapeutic food and care, their risk of death is extremely high. Reports say at least 63 people, mostly women and children, died of malnutrition in a single week.

Rising Violence and Violations

Deadly attacks continue as seven children were recently killed at Abu Shouk camp, on the city’s outskirts.

Since the siege began in May 2024, more than 1,100 grave violations against children have been recorded, including:

• Over 1,000 killed or maimed
• At least 23 raped or sexually abused
• Cases of abduction and forced recruitment

Health and education facilities have also been targeted. At least 35 hospitals and six schools were attacked, leaving more civilians at risk.

Cholera Outbreak Deepens Crisis

The siege worsens Sudan’s worst cholera outbreak in decades. Since July 2024, more than 2,400 deaths have been reported.

Overcrowded camps in Tawila, Zamzam, and El Fasher face severe risks. Malnourished children are especially vulnerable to cholera and other waterborne diseases.

UN Calls for Humanitarian Access

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that North Darfur’s crisis is worsening.

“Blocking humanitarian access is a grave violation of children’s rights, and the lives of children are hanging in the balance,” Russell stressed.

UNICEF and other UN agencies continue to demand full access to deliver food, medicine, clean water, and other lifesaving aid.

READ ALSO: Ethiopian Journalists Abducted in Addis Ababa, Calls for Release