The number of civilians seeking refuge in the vicinity of UNAMID’s Sortoni team site, North Darfur, has increased to 14,770, including 1,493 men, 4,097 women and 9,180 children. These figures represent more than 52 per cent increase in just 24 hours which has, reportedly, been caused by intensified aerial bombings carried out during the afternoon of 25 January 2016.

On 26 January, the World Food Programme (WFP) and national non-governmental organisations arrived at the Mission’s base in Sortoni to carry out a rapid verification and humanitarian needs assessment exercise.

Thirteen newly displaced families  have also arrived in Rwanda Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Tawila, North Darfur, taking the total number of recently displaced here to 3,264; this figure includes both Rwanda and Argo camps. Aid organizations are providing the displaced with emergency humanitarian assistance.

Furthermore, on 26 January, the Mission received information that 19 villages near Rockero, north Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, were burned down during fights; most residents of these villages are reported to have fled to Sortoni, Kabkabiya and Tawila, while others have sought shelter in surrounding mountains. Many children have also been reported to have gone missing.

UNAMID is working with relevant local authorities to conduct inter-agency assessment missions to Nertiti, Central Darfur, and surrounding areas, including Thur, where the influx of displaced civilians is reported to be increasing.

The Mission remains constantly engaged with the civilians displaced by the ongoing fighting between government forces and armed movements in Jebel Marra.