Thousands of displaced people fled into Abu Jebeha from the outskirts of the town as the threat of battle has loomed. Since last week the town in the South Kordofan border region has faced fears of fighting between the Sudan Armed Forces and SPLA-North.

The villages of Gareida, Maya, Wad Al-Dom, Jadid, Gardut and Tamar witnessed a huge displacement of people from their homes last week. Rainfall may make it difficult to move later.

The population movement has coincided with the departure of two big agricultural companies from the area. "The two companies, Reem and Tabarak used to employ thousands of residents in that area," said Al-Tayib Al-Beithriy Ibrahim Assal. He pointed out that the two companies have stopped working.

For his part, Abdall Rahman Ali Ahmed, who is national MP of Abu Jebeha consituency, confirmed in a press conference that the movement of the displaced residents continued throughout last week to Sarajia and Abu Jebeha. He called on the concerned authorities to deliver available assistance.

Abdalla Ahmed Jabara, a member of the youth committee also confirmed that no food aid had arrived to the IDPs until yesterday.

Jabara estimated that the number of displaced people was 80% of the total population in the area. The population in the area is more than 10,000 said Jabara.

The youth leader further appealed to the state government of South Kordofan to supply food to the IDPs and to renew the agricultural schemes in all areas around Abu Jebeha.

Photo below: Abu Jebeha lies on the eastern side of the Nuba Mountains.