South Sudanese refugees from Unity State have reported an influx of thousands of people who have been driven by conflict into Kharasana Locality in Sudan’s West Kordofan State.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, several conflict-affected people from Unity state reported lack of food and other services in the area.
Jama Gatpan, former Unity state advisor said many people fled from Nhialdiu, Koch, Leer and other areas after a recent government offensive targeting these areas. He estimated the number of the refugees at 15,000 people.
He added the local authorities accommodated them in schools and some houses, saying the World Food Programme (WFP) distributed some assistance to the affected people in the area.
Separately, a needs-assessment mission conducted by UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, OCHA and the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is reportedly currently underway in Kharasana in response to a reported influx of over 9,000 South Sudanese refugees.
The refugees have been arriving to the area since early this month due to intensified fighting in Unity State. UNHCR announced that it has 2,000 emergency shelter and household item kits in Khartoum ready to be transported to West Kordofan State.
File photo