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| Landmines and unexploded in Sudan |
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Sunday that landmines and unexploded ordnance represent one of the biggest threats to the return of millions of Sudanese to their areas.
The Office reported in its humanitarian update for May and June 2026 that more than 4 million people had returned to conflict-affected areas, but many of them found their communities contaminated by unexploded bombs, artillery shells, rockets, and landmines left behind by the fighting.
He explained that contamination with explosive ordnance is one of the most significant obstacles to safe return, humanitarian access, and recovery, as these remnants are scattered throughout homes, schools, health facilities, farms, and roads, hindering the restoration of services and the reconstruction of affected areas.
Twenty-seven incidents involving explosive ordnance were uncovered in 2026, resulting in 86 victims, including 30 deaths and 56 injuries. Children accounted for half of the recorded victims, with the actual death toll expected to be higher due to underreporting in conflict zones.
The office stated that demining teams, led by the National Mine Action Centre and supported by the United Nations Department, have removed more than 22,000 pieces of explosive ordnance since the beginning of the year.
He noted that these teams announced the clearing of more than 6 million square meters of land, equivalent to about 841 football fields, which contributed to the reopening of schools, health facilities, homes and Khartoum Airport for use.
He added: "Khartoum, which has seen more than a year of intense urban fighting, remains heavily contaminated with explosive ordnance, with less than 1% of the capital's area declared a safe and usable zone."
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) predicted similar levels of pollution in other conflict-affected states, including Al-Jazirah and Sennar.
He stressed that contamination with explosive ordnance represents a major obstacle to reconstruction efforts, as Sudan moves towards recovery in some areas, where homes, farmland and vital infrastructure often need to be surveyed and cleared before rehabilitation can begin.
Potential danger
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that the escalation of drone strikes in El Obeid, North Kordofan State, since early June has put hundreds of thousands of civilians in direct danger, including more than 100,000 displaced people sheltering in and around the city.
He stated that the escalation of violence has led to a rise in the number of civilian casualties, including humanitarian workers, and has caused widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, health facilities, fuel stations, displacement sites, and electricity infrastructure.
He reported that humanitarian partners have reported severe shortages of fuel, safe water and basic goods, exacerbating the crisis in already fragile communities.
The office explained that about 800,000 people in Sheikan locality, including residents of El Obeid, are in need of assistance, as the city is a vital logistical and operational hub for humanitarian response efforts in North and South Kordofan.
He stated that despite severe insecurity and a highly restrictive working environment, humanitarian partners continue to provide life-saving assistance in El Obeid, including food distribution, nutrition programs, prepositioning of vital health supplies, education and protection services.
A nutrition crisis threatens children
OCHA noted that millions of children have been affected by the ongoing conflict, disruption of services, and escalating humanitarian needs, with an estimated 825,000 children under the age of five at risk of severe acute malnutrition this year, which could threaten their lives if they do not receive timely treatment.
He noted that many children in conflict-affected areas of North Darfur and Kordofan are suffering from disruptions to basic services and humanitarian aid, and are facing severe shortages of food, safe drinking water and health care, in addition to increased protection risks resulting from violence, family separation and displacement.
He reiterated his complaint about the lack of funding, noting that the response plan had received $899 million, equivalent to 31.4% of the total $2.9 billion needed by the United Nations and its partners to help millions of Sudanese.
19.5 million people, or two out of every five people, face critical levels of acute food insecurity.
The situation of Sudanese people is expected to worsen during the dry season between June and October, which is the harshest time of year in terms of hunger, due to the high prices of food, water and agricultural products as a result of the disruption of transportation routes and the high costs of fuel.
