Key messages
• The humanitarian situation in the border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states is approaching crisis levels in some areas, with serious threats to the physical safety of civilians, restricted access for humanitarian organisations and escalating humanitarian needs.
• The current conflict is rooted in long-standing grievances that were not resolved through the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
• A strengthened international humanitarian response is urgently needed to address escalating humanitarian and protection needs – requiring stronger leadership and engagement with the conflict parties on their responsibilities to protect civilians and to facilitate humanitarian access.
• Drawing on experiences of the previous conflict in this region, significant diplomatic efforts are now required to restart a political dialogue between the parties inclusive of civil society, aimed at finding a long-term peaceful resolution to the conflict