Sudan aid networks at risk of collapse, UN agencies warn

Without immediate donations, shelter and aid relief supplies could be depleted by the end of the month, says IOM, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of attacks.Sudan’s aid network is at risk of collapse, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned.Ongoing fighting, heavy rains, and continued displacement threaten to bring an “imminent end” to Sudan’s emergency relief supply via the IOM’s Common Humanitarian Pipeline, the agency said on Monday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Sudan’s healthcare system on brink of collapse, MSF warnslist 2 of 4Video: RSF drone attack on Sudan court kills at least 13 peoplelist 3 of 4Hundreds of thousands lack adequate shelter at Sudan’s Tawila camplist 4 of 4UN extends partial Sudan arms embargo for a monthend of listThe ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that erupted in April 2023 has killed more than 200,000 people, aid workers estimate, and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis. But amid a sharp cutback in global aid funding, resources are stretched.“The entire humanitarian system could collapse within weeks if we don’t act now. Without new funding, we won’t be able to get help where it’s needed most,” said Amy Pope, IOM’s director general in a statement.“We simply can’t turn our back on the people of Sudan when they need us most amid raging conflict, increased displacement and the impact of heavy rain,” she added.The IOM warned that without immediate donor support, shelter and aid relief supplies are expected to be depleted by the end of the month. The operational capacity of warehouses that keep the pipeline functioning is only able to be sustained until the end of the year.A total of 8.6 million people remain internally displaced in Sudan, with ongoing violence, floods and heavy rains continuing to damage shelters and forcing people to move, the organisation said.IOM said its network, comprising nearly 100 national and international NGOs, has supplied aid to 2.8 million people since July 2023. However, its reach has been shrinking due to falling funds, even as needs remain at an all-time high.