``OCHA``: Major Challenges Facing Residents and Returnees in Wad Madani

Moatinoon
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that humanitarian organizations are working to assist those in urgent need in Wad Madani, the capital of Al-Jazira State, following the Sudanese Armed Forces recapture of the area on January 11.

In its latest emergency update, OCHA highlighted significant challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, food shortages, and widespread healthcare needs. Reports also indicated the presence of unexploded ordnance contamination, posing severe risks to civilians and humanitarian workers. Explosive hazards are hindering safe access to affected areas, including homes, roads, medical and educational facilities, water points, power stations, and other critical infrastructure.

The update noted that three main roads leading to Wad Madani—from Al-Managil locality and the neighboring states of Gedaref and Sennar—are open to public transportation. Voluntary return registrations are ongoing in Kassala, Gedaref, Merowe, and other areas, though return dates have yet to be set. Local authorities have suspended plans for organized returns, citing concerns over land contamination. Nevertheless, some displaced individuals are reportedly returning to Al-Harqa, south of Wad Madani.

Regarding the situation in the city, the update identified the most urgent priorities as food, water, access to sanitation and hygiene services, and healthcare. The report noted the lack of basic services, including water and electricity, with most solar-powered devices stolen, and the looting and destruction of primary healthcare centers and Wad Madani Teaching Hospital, which has suffered extensive damage. This has resulted in a critical shortage of health services and essential medicines.