UN calls for cessation of hostilities at Sudan's Jebel Marra area

The United Nations on Wednesday launched an urgent call for the parties to the conflict at Jebel Marra area in Sudan's Central Darfur to cease hostilities and allow UN organizations to reach thousands of civilians who fled the fighting there.

"Hostilities should be ceased as soon as possible so that we can address the existing humanitarian needs," Marta Ruedas, United Nastions Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, said at a press conference in Khartoum.

"I am deeply concerned about the plight of over 85,000 newly displaced civilians in North Darfur State as a result of an escalation of conflict in the region's Jebel Marra area," she said.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Oxfam International and others, the total number of the displaced people in North Darfur as a result of the recent Jebel Marra hostilities reached 87,502, she said.

However, Ruedas said these figures were not final as there are still continued influx of displacement.

Meanwhile, the UN official, who visited IDP camps in Sudan's North Darfur State Monday, declined to give information about the ongoing fighting around Jebel Marra area.

"We have no access to Jebel Marra itself, so we cannot, I personally cannot confirm the aspect of the conflict," said Ruedas.

Earlier, the United Nations and international organizations complained about what they termed as "significant restrictions" preventing them access to the people affected by the continued conflict around Jebel Marra area.

Violent clashes erupted in January 2015 between the Sudanese army and the rebels of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)/Abdul-Wahid Nur faction around Jebel Marra area in Sudan's Central Darfur State. Endit