The warning comes after overnight explosions reportedly hit the crucial Ardamata Bridge in West Darfur state, as fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former allies the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two sides have been fighting for control of the country since April 2023.
The bridge connects the city of El Geneina with areas near the border with neighboring Chad. it’s a Vital route for commercial traffic and humanitarian supplies. enter the Darfur region.
Concerns about the rainy season
The situation was further highlighted in South Kordofan state, where two key bridges along the highway between the towns of Kadugli and Dilling were reportedly destroyed over the weekend.
This has disrupted the movement of civilians and aid operations as the rainy season begins, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.
“Humanitarian partners warn no viable alternative routes once seasonal rains intensify“, said.
Insecurity and attacks
Meanwhile, humanitarian movements along the Geneina-Zalingei highway linking Western and Central Darfur have resumed after a brief suspension on Monday due to insecurity and rising inter-communal tensions. However, access remains fragile.
The highway is a critical route for transporting humanitarian assistance from Chad to Darfur and the Kordofans.
Drone activity is also affecting several parts of Sudan, where More than 30 million people across the country require humanitarian assistance..
A drone was reportedly shot down on Tuesday in Omdurman, Khartoum state, while multiple attacks were reported in Dilling the previous day.
Haq reiterated the UN’s call for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access.
Impacts in Chad
A senior UN official addressed how the war in Sudan is affecting Chad in a briefing to the Security Council on developments in the Central African region.
“With the conflict in Sudan in its fourth year, its direct impact on Chad cannot be overemphasized,” Martha Pobee, undersecretary general for Africa, told ambassadors on Tuesday.
The influx of almost a million Sudanese refugees – along with some 300,000 Chadian returnees – has placed significant pressure on resources.
“Repeated cross-border incursions and drone attacks against Chadian military positions risk further regionalization of the conflict,” he said.
“We again call on all partners to increase their efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and help Chad cope with the impact of the crisis.
WHO response
The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) also highlighted how the arrival of refugees has put immense pressure on fragile health systems and services in Chad.
WHO continues to work with authorities and partners to strengthen the emergency response, support frontline health workers and improve access to essential health services.
“From emergency medical assistance to mental health and psychosocial care, solidarity and coordinated action remain essential,” the agency tweeted.