Khartoum: At least 20 Sudanese children lost their lives in January, primarily in the regions of Kordofan and Darfur in western Sudan, as reported by UNICEF on Friday. The UN children's agency highlighted these grim figures in a recent publication that examined the dire circumstances facing children throughout the region, including Sudan.

According to Anadolu Agency, the UNICEF report underscores the urgent need for lifesaving assistance and protection for millions of children in Sudan, who are caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict. The report emphasizes the necessity for restoring essential services as fighting continues to ravage large sections of the country. UNICEF further warned of famine conditions already present in Al Fasher, North Darfur, and Kadugli, Kordofan, with nearly 20 other areas under threat.

The control of Sudan's regions is divided, with the Rapid Support Forces dominating all five states in the western Darfur area, except for portions of North Darfur still under army control. The Sudanese army maintains control over most of the remaining 13 states across the south, north, east, and center, including the capital, Khartoum. The conflict, which erupted between the Sudanese army and the RSF in April 2023, has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.