Sudan’s Civil War Sparks Regional Concerns for Neighboring Nations

According to a top UN official, Sudan’s conflict is increasingly damaging the region with overflowing consequences into neighbouring South Sudan and the occupied Abyei region.

According to Martha Pobee who is an Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, the Sudanese war continues to have a significant influence on security, economic and humanitarian crises in both Sudan and South Sudan including the Abyei area. Both Sudan and South Sudan claim the Abyei region which is rich in oil deposits.

Since the bloody power struggle between Sudan’s warring forces began in April, Abyei and its neighbours have faced interruptions in oil production and increased refugee inflows.

There has also been an increase of weapons during this fight with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) invading Abyei which is raising security worries.  

These losses have put South Sudan’s already stretched resources under even more strain with thousands of refugees facing severe shortages of clean water, food and medical treatment. 

Sudan’s conflict is already in its second year forcing over 840,000 people to evacuate their homes and seek sanctuary in South Sudan.

Renk has been an important transit point for both refugees and returning South Sudanese refugees equally. Renk’s two transit facilities welcome new visitors and provide them with immediate support and protection. Aid resources are being increasingly limited as the number of arrivals and needs expand.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is working to reduce community tensions and provide necessary relief but its efforts are complicated by holding up negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan as well as limitations on transportation.