President Barack Obama authorises $ 26 million for emergency aid to refugees fleeing the violence in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

Tommy Vietor, spokesman for the National Security Council, stated that the money will support the work of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in the border region between Sudan and South Sudan.

Thousands of residents fled the region after fierce fighting began last year between Sudanese government forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North.

The U.S. expressed deep concerns over the situation and called upon the government of Sudan to allow access for international agencies to reach the growing number of refugees with basic services and medical care.