IOM Chief Sounds Alarm as Displacement Soars in North Darfur

The Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, has cautioned that severe instability and shocking human rig...

The Director General of the International Organization for Migration, Amy Pope, has cautioned that severe instability and shocking human rights abuses, such as large-scale killings and ethnic and sexual violence in El Fasher, North Darfur, have led to a sharp increase in displacement and made the humanitarian situation even more critical.

Geneva/Port Sudan, November 11, 2025

The crisis in El Fasher is a direct outcome of almost 18 months of siege, which has cut off families from food, water, and medical assistance," stated DG Pope as she started a five-day trip to the conflict-ridden nation. "Our teams are working to respond, but instability and limited resources mean we are only helping a small portion of those who require aid. Without secure access and immediate funding, humanitarian efforts could come to a standstill when communities need help the most.

Over the last two weeks, intense artillery fire and land attacks in and near El Fasher have caused almost 90,000 people to be displaced, compelling families to escape via dangerous paths with minimal access to food, water, or healthcare. Tens of thousands of civilians are still stuck within the city, enduring starvation-like situations as hospitals, markets, and water supplies break down.

Violence is also increasing in other parts of Sudan. From October 26 to November 9, approximately 38,990 individuals left the conflict zone in North Kordofan. Numerous people are covering extensive distances on foot or using donkey carts, spending nights outdoors without protection, and enduring periods without food while constantly fearing assault.

More frequent accounts of dangerous protection threats are emerging, such as arbitrary imprisonment, theft, physical attacks, and violence based on gender. Tawila, which previously accommodated more than 650,000 internally displaced people before the situation worsened, is now receiving many severely injured Sudanese individuals from El Fasher.

Although demand is increasing, humanitarian efforts are currently on the verge of failing. Storage facilities are almost depleted, aid caravans encounter major security challenges, and ongoing access limitations hinder the provision of adequate assistance. IOM is urgently requesting more financial support and immediate, continuous, and secure humanitarian access to prevent a worse disaster.

Although access is limited and supplies are scarce, IOM keeps providing life-saving aid whenever feasible. A convoy that departed from Port Sudan on 20 October is heading to Tawila, carrying shelter and non-food items for 7,500 displaced individuals, which will be distributed by the African Relief Committee and Save the Children International. Through its Rapid Response Fund, IOM's local partners are carrying out emergency initiatives that offer shelter kits, protection support, and medical services, while also enhancing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for 60,000 people in North and South Darfur, aiming to prevent diseases like cholera.

IOM calls on donors, collaborators, and the global community to take immediate action to avoid additional loss of life and ensure that vulnerable populations can securely receive support. Unified national and international initiatives are essential to provide critical aid, restore respect, and safeguard individuals affected by the growing crisis.

For further details, kindly visit IOM's Media Centre.

Copyright 2025 United Nations in Sudan. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1)

Tagged: International Organizations and Africa, Sudan, External Relations, East Africa

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).