Sudans Displaced Face Limited Shelter Options in Kosti Region

Thousands of Families Flee Conflict in Kordofan and Darfur, Arrive in Kosti

A large number of families from the Kordofan region and Darfur have arrived in the city of Kosti, Sudan, fleeing renewed fighting in their areas. The city has become a major hub for displaced individuals seeking refuge.

Aziza, a mother, and her children are among those who have taken shelter on the outskirts of Kosti. Their makeshift home consists of thin sheets repurposed as a basic shelter, offering little protection from the elements. Aziza expressed her situation, stating that she and her family are separated from their sons due to the conflict.

Another mother in the camp recounted the economic collapse that has accompanied the violence, saying she had to use materials found on the street to create a small tent to protect her family. She reported having lost 10,000 Sudanese pounds, equivalent to $16, in the market.

The current conflict in Sudan’s war-torn regions has led to an influx of displaced individuals. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been accused of committing crimes against civilians, including killings and sexual assaults. Many people, particularly women and children, have fled from RSF-controlled areas.

According to local officials, more than 3,500 displaced Sudanese have arrived in Kosti in recent days. The city is receiving approximately 25 families per day, with many having to find temporary shelter until better accommodations are provided.

The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that over 100,000 people fled el-Fasher and its surrounding villages between late October and early December following RSF attacks. The IOM estimates that more than 9.3 million internally-displaced people (IDPs) are currently in Sudan, with nearly a third of displaced households reporting insufficient food for at least one member per day.

The surge of displaced individuals into Kosti is part of a broader trend across Sudan, as people flee from conflict zones in Darfur and Kordofan.

Source: Al Jazeera