The Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, warned today that South Kordofan and Blue Nile states are on the brink of catastrophe, as the violence there continues to escalate at an alarming rate.

As of yesterday, the civilian death toll following recent shelling in South Kordofan’s capital Kadugli had increased to 80, with some three dozen others injured.

Nkweta-Salami condemned the reported use of women and children as human shields in Kadugli, as well as the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the detention of civilians, including children.

The western Nuba Mountains, which extend into South Kordofan and West Kordofan states, are among the areas in which famine has been identified by the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

The Humanitarian Coordinator stressed that humanitarian needs also remain critical in Blue Nile state, amid reports of mass mobilization for conflict.

Nkweta-Salami called on all sides to the conflict in Sudan to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and allow humanitarian organizations safe and unrestricted access to those in desperate need.

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Photo: Wad Medani, al-Jazirah State, Sudan: Wad Almajzoub Poultry farms host 1,800 new arrivals from Khartoum. The farm has been abandoned for more than a decade and displaced people sheltering there are suffering from harsh conditions, including the presence of snakes, scorpions and insects, lack of water and latrines. Source: Alaa El Kheir/OCHA.