Local authority in Sudan’s West Kordufan State said the number of South Sudanese citizens fleeing to his state is rising, adding that this requires urgent intervention from aid agencies.

Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmed, the deputy chairperson of the National Congress Party (NCP) in the state, said during a press conference on Monday that the influx of South Sudanese refugees is still continuing. He further said the number of South Sudanese refugees has reached 170,000 people in the state.

He further said the massive influx of conflict-displaced people to West Kordofan has left a major service gap that the local authorities are unable to meet.

He admitted that the state government and local organizations cannot cope with the influx of South Sudanese refugees.

Mohamed pointed out that the state government fears that fighting could erupt at any time among the refugees. Ahmed added that the refugees are also accommodated in an area near oil fields, which he said is dangerous for them.

The official called on the international community to intervene and provide basic rights to the refugees in West Kordofan State.

Photo: Displaced South Sudanese women walk towards the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)