Today's top news: Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Sudan

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said in a statement yesterday that he is deeply concerned by the mounting deaths and injuries in Sudan and said the fighting must stop. 

Mr. Griffiths called the situation a devastating setback for the country, where a staggering 15.8 million people are already in need of humanitarian assistance.

Our colleagues tell us that humanitarian operations continue to be severely hampered as the security situation worsens, particularly in areas with intense fighting. There is limited ability to move personnel and supplies.

The targeting and looting of humanitarian premises must stop. Attacks on humanitarian assets and facilities will severely impact our ability to resume lifesaving operations.

The World Food Programme has announced it is temporarily suspending operations across the county following the killing of three staff caught in the crossfire in North Darfur.

Moreover, attacks on key public facilities – including health, water, sanitation and hygiene – will severely affect access to critical services.

Nine hospitals in Khartoum and two in Bahri (Khartoum North) have closed due to shelling and insecurity.

The World Health Organization has warned that several of Khartoum's hospitals have run out of blood, transfusion equipment, intravenous fluids, and other vital medical supplies.
 

Democratic Republic of the Congo

The security situation in Ituri province remains extremely concerning due to ongoing attacks against civilians. These attacks have left communities in dire need of assistance and protection.

On 14 April, more than 55 civilians were reportedly killed and others injured when armed assailants attacked the Kilo and Mungbwalu locality in Djugu territory – that’s according to local authorities.

This is just one of several attacks that have targeted communities in Ituri province. Since early April, armed groups have reportedly killed at least 150 civilians in Djugu, Irumu and Mambasa territories.

The UN and our partners are committed to supporting affected people in Ituri. Since 12 April, the World Food Programme has sought to provide food and cash assistance to nearly 239,000 people affected by the violence, including internally displaced people.

We are also providing shelter, water and sanitation facilities, as well as healthcare and education services. However, the delivery of this assistance may be delayed in areas that have been affected by these recent attacks.

Months of violence and insecurity in Ituri province have already forced 1.6 million people to flee their homes.

We call on the authorities to strengthen protection measures for civilians in affected areas and urge armed groups to respect human rights and international humanitarian law.