Own Correspondent
In the town of al-Hilaliya, Sudan, at least 73 residents have died from a mysterious illness, as reported by the Sudanese Doctors Union.
This alarming situation has emerged amidst ongoing conflict in the region, particularly involving the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have besieged the town.
The outbreak coincides with escalating violence in El Gezira state, where numerous villages have been attacked following the defection of a top RSF commander to the army.
This conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 135,000 people and has contributed to a broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with more than 11 million people displaced and millions facing severe food shortages.
In al-Hilaliya, the illness manifests primarily as severe diarrhea, overwhelming local hospitals. The situation is exacerbated by a communication blackout enforced by RSF forces, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. One resident tragically reported losing three family members to the illness, only learning of their deaths after relatives reached an area with internet access.
Residents attempting to flee al-Hilaliya face significant obstacles, including high fees at RSF checkpoints. The dire conditions have led to rapid cemetery expansions in the region, as evidenced by satellite imagery from a Yale Humanitarian Lab report, which also shows evidence of burnt agricultural fields, highlighting the extensive destruction caused by recent attacks.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and intervention to address both the health crisis and the ongoing conflict.
Zim GBC News©2024