William Carter, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director in Sudan, voiced deep concern about the intensifying conflict on the doorstep of Wad Madani, the capital state of Al Jazirah. The city, home to 700,000 people, has served as a sanctuary for 84,000 individuals who sought refuge after fleeing Khartoum, embodying the hope for safety and stability. However, ongoing violence paints a grim picture as the specter of instability looms large over this densely populated region.
Wad Madani, once a place of safety, has become a battleground where heavy artillery and gunfire have echoed for three consecutive days. The city, a crucial hub for humanitarian and medical evacuation efforts, is now faced with an onslaught that puts the lives of its residents, including vulnerable families crammed into displacement sites in schools, at grave risk.
The situation’s urgency emphasizes the continuous flow of people – many recently fled for their lives – now rushing towards neighboring states. These areas, already strained and resource-depleted, are ill-equipped to handle an influx of displaced individuals, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
More than just another city under attack, Wad Madani represents one of Sudan’s last remaining sanctuaries. The escalating conflict threatens not only the lives of its residents but also the vital infrastructure that supports displaced populations. The plea from the NRC is clear: all parties involved must adhere to international humanitarian law, taking every feasible precaution to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian objects.
Over half a million people are displaced within Al Jazirah, with 145,000 crammed into public buildings, including schools. The current exodus from Wad Madani has seen an estimated 15,000 people fleeing toward neighboring states, compounding the challenges these already vulnerable populations face.
Alarming food insecurity levels further underscores the urgency of the crisis. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), about 1.9 million people in Al Jazirah state are experiencing food insecurity or above crisis levels. The conflict not only jeopardizes lives directly through violence but also indirectly through the disruption of essential services and access to food.
The Norwegian Refugee Council has been a persistent presence in Wad Madani since June 2023, providing crucial support to over 34,000 people in the city since the onset of the conflict. The plea for the safe passage of individuals fleeing the conflict and the urgent delivery of life-saving assistance is a call to action that demands immediate attention from the international community.
As the world watches the unfolding tragedy in Al Jazirah State, global leaders, humanitarian organizations, and concerned citizens must unite in demanding an end to the violence and the protection of innocent lives. The fate of Wad Madani hangs in the balance, and the situation’s urgency cannot be overstated.
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