The power struggle in Sudan, which ignited a devastating war, has now entered its fourth month, as tensions continue to escalate. The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 4,000 people, according to Liz Throssell, a spokeswoman for the UN human rights office.
With each passing day, the fighting brings destruction, widespread human rights violations, and unfathomable loss of life. Samy Talat, a volunteer in Omdurman, shares his despair as civilians perish due to the lack of access to timely medical treatment. He recounts a recent incident in which a bomb struck a building near the hospital, resulting in the tragic death of a mother and severe injuries to her daughter.
The situation is further aggravated by the suspension of services in approximately 200 hospitals across the country, due to the ongoing armed conflict, as confirmed by the health ministry on August 13th.
Since the eruption of the conflict on April 15th, Sudan has descended into a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations issuing warnings about arbitrary killings and widespread sexual abuse. In the western Darfur region, the fighting has also devolved into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias targeting “African” communities, according to U.N. officials.
In a joint appeal, the heads of 20 global organizations have drawn attention to the alarming fact that “more than six million Sudanese people are one step away from famine.” They emphasize that the situation is spiraling out of control, with over 14 million children in need of humanitarian aid and more than four million people fleeing the violence either within Sudan or as refugees in neighboring countries.
Furthermore, time is running out for farmers to plant crops that would sustain both them and their neighbors. The urgency for peace and accountability has been reiterated during a UN bi-weekly press briefing on Sudan held on August 15th. Liz Throssell, the spokesperson for the UN human rights office, emphasized the need for clear instructions from those in command to condemn and hold accountable perpetrators of sexual violence.
The leaders of global humanitarian organizations met in Geneva and called on the international community to provide more funds to alleviate the crisis. Currently, the UN has only received a quarter of the $2.57 billion it appealed for to support people inside Sudan, and just 31 percent of the $566 million requested to assist refugees in neighboring countries.
The conflict-induced food scarcity has plunged a staggering 20.3 million people into severe acute hunger, representing 42 percent of the country’s total population, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). Approximately half of Sudan’s population, including 13 million children, require urgent humanitarian aid.
Unfortunately, aid delivery to remote areas, such as South Darfur, has become increasingly difficult due to a recent surge in violence. David MacDonald, regional director for east and southern Africa at Care International, highlighted the challenges faced by aid groups in accessing these regions.
Moreover, Sudan is now grappling with the looming threat of large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, and cholera. The risk of these epidemics spreading is particularly high, given the prevailing conditions and limited access to healthcare facilities.
As the conflict in Sudan rages on, the international community must act swiftly to provide the necessary support, both in terms of funding and resources, to alleviate the suffering of millions and bring an end to this dire humanitarian crisis.
Image Ccredit: AP Photo/Associated Press
