Initial reports by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicate that about 19,000 civilians have fled into North Darfur state, and up to 15,000 into Central Darfur state, following fighting in the mountainous Jebel Marra region that straddles three Darfur states.

According to a statement issued by the Africa Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), these figures represent more than a 52 per cent increase in just 24 hours, reportedly caused by intensified aerial bombings carried out on Monday.

“The protection of civilians remains our paramount concern during conflict,” said the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Marta Ruedas, in a separate statement.

“While it is encouraging that some humanitarian assistance is being provided, clearly much more is needed and we are working with our national and international partners on the ground to ascertain how the vulnerable can be helped during this time. We are therefore advocating for safe and unfettered access to provide timely assistance to those in need,” she added.

OCHA indicated that some humanitarian assistance, including nutritional supplements for children, medicine and purified water, has been provided in North Darfur to some of the newly displaced people – the vast majority of whom are women and children.