Escalating attacks on bridges, roads and other civilian infrastructure in Sudan are disrupting humanitarian access and putting civilians at further risk, the United Nations said on Tuesday.
The warning comes afterovernightexplosionsreportedly struckthe crucialArdamatabridge in West Darfur state,asfightingcontinues betweenthe Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former allies the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).The two sides have been battling for control of the country since April 2023.
The bridge links the city of El Geneina to areas near the border withneighbouringChad.Itis avitalroute for commercial traffic and humanitarian suppliesentering the Darfur region.
Rainy season concerns
The situation was further underscored in South Kordofan state, where twokey bridges along the road betweenthe cities ofKadugli and Dillingwerereportedly destroyedover the weekend.
This has disrupted the movement of civilians and aid operations as the rainy season begins, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haqtold reportersin New York.
Humanitarian partners warn there will be no viable alternative routes once seasonal rains intensify,hesaid.
Insecurity and attacks
Meanwhile, humanitarian movements along the GeneinaZalingei road linking West and Central Darfur have resumed after a brief suspension on Monday due to insecurity and rising intercommunal tensions. However, accessremainsfragile.
The road is a critical route for transporting humanitarianassistancefrom Chad into Darfur andtheKordofans.
Droneactivity is also affecting several parts ofSudan, wheremore than30 million peoplenationwide requirehumanitarianassistance.
A drone wasreportedly shotdownon Tuesdayin Omdurman, Khartoum state, while multiple strikes were reported in Dillingthe previous day.
Mr. Haq reiterated the UNs call for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and tofacilitaterapid, safe,unhinderedand sustained humanitarian access.
Impacts in Chad
A senior UN official addressed how the Sudan war is affecting Chad ina briefingto theSecurity Councilondevelopments across the Central Africa region.
With the conflict in Sudan in its fourth year, its direct impact on Chad cannot be overemphasized, Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, told ambassadorson Tuesday.
The influx ofnearly amillionSudanese refugees alongside some 300,000 Chadian returnees has placed a significant strain on resources.
Repeated cross border incursions and dronestrikeson Chadian military positions risk a further regionalization of the conflict, she said.
We call again on all partners to increase their efforts to resolve the conflict in the Sudan and to help Chad in dealing with the impact of the crisis.
WHO response
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasized howrefugee arrivals have placed immense pressure on fragile health systems and services in Chad.
WHOcontinues to work withtheauthorities and partners to strengthen emergency response, support frontline healthworkersand improve access to essential health services.
From emergency medical assistance to mental health and psychosocial care, solidarity and coordinated action remain critical,the agencytweeted.
