Rising Death Toll in South Kordofan: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Conflict

Recent shelling in South Kordofan has escalated the humanitarian crisis, with HUDO Centre reporting a death toll of 70, primarily women and girls. The SPLM-N and SAF are exchanging accusations amidst collapsing health services, which greatly impact the survival of the injured. The deteriorating situation necessitates immediate humanitarian assistance.

The Sudanese Human Rights and Development Organisation (HUDO Centre) reported an increase in the death toll from the recent bombing in South Kordofan, now tallying 70 casualties, predominantly women and girls. This incident, which occurred on February 3, involved artillery bombardments in Kadugli, attributed to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz El Hilu in response to an attack by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Previously, SPLM-N El Hilu had denied these allegations and condemned the SAF’s actions.

Initial reports indicated a death toll of 44 and 28 injuries caused by the bombardment. The SAF asserts that they repelled artillery shelling initiated by SPLM-N El Hilu. The HUDO Centre noted that the collapse of health services in Kadugli has exacerbated the situation, leading to higher fatalities among the injured.

According to HUDO, the SAF initiated a strike on SPLM-N positions at Jebel Hajar Almac on the morning of February 3. Following this, as SAF soldiers brought their deceased and injured down from the hill, civilians, primarily children, joined them in celebration. Consequently, an artillery counterattack from SPLM-N struck civilians, leading to immediate casualties, including the deaths of 44 people.

Additionally, various sites experienced bomb impacts, including a missile near the Kadugli church that killed civilians and a bomb dropped on a residential area resulting in injuries to minors. On February 4, the number of fatalities rose to 54, largely due to the critical lack of medical supplies like painkillers and oxygen in Kadugli hospital. The ongoing health crisis in Kadugli has aggravated these circumstances, with many patients unable to access necessary care due to the high transportation costs imposed by the siege.

Currently, HUDO indicates that no more than 14 patients under 20 years are receiving treatment for severe limb fractures at the hospital. The report specifies that among the deceased, 60 were female, with 51 under 18 years of age, and five children younger than five were also lost. The deteriorating health situation in Kadugli, including the closure of the dialysis unit for over five months, has resulted in additional fatalities among patients with renal failure who could not afford to leave town for treatment due to the ongoing conflict. Radio Dabanga has sought comments from both the SAF and SPLM-N El Hilu but has not received responses; historically, these groups have been reticent regarding military operations.

The tragedy in South Kordofan has resulted in a devastating death toll, particularly among women and children, revealing the critical humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The collapse of health services and lack of adequate medical supplies have contributed significantly to the increase in fatalities. Without urgent intervention, the situation continues to deteriorate, underscoring the need for immediate humanitarian assistance and dialogue among the conflicting parties to address the dire conditions in Kadugli.

Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org