Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds in Sudan as Internet Connectivity Shutdown Amidst Ongoing Clashes
Amid ongoing clashes between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces in Sudan, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding with millions in dire need of aid. Internet connectivity shutdown adds to the complexity of the situation, leaving civilians stranded in conflict zones. The UN appeals for urgent relief as millions face hunger and displacement in the war-torn nation.
Internet Shutdown Adds to Humanitarian Crisis
In a tumultuous turn of events, internet connectivity was abruptly cut off in Sudan amidst the relentless clashes between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This sudden blackout, confirmed by internet monitoring firm Netblocks, has further exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis gripping the nation for nearly 10 months.
This picture taken on September 17 shows a raging fire at the Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower in Khartoum.
The blackout, affecting all major network operators in Sudan, has hindered communication and access to vital information for millions of Sudanese civilians caught in the crossfire. The Sudanese foreign ministry pointed fingers at the RSF for the outage, deepening the plight of locals struggling to escape the conflict zones and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
UN Appeals for Urgent Humanitarian Aid
Amidst the escalating crisis in Sudan, the United Nations has issued a compelling appeal for $4.1 billion to address the critical humanitarian needs of the war-torn nation. With an estimated 25 million people, half of Sudan's population, requiring immediate support and protection, the situation is deemed as 'epic suffering' by UN officials.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have jointly launched an appeal for $2.7 billion to aid 14.7 million people within Sudan and an additional $1.4 billion to assist nearly 2.7 million refugees in neighboring countries. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the stark reality of millions facing acute hunger and displacement due to the prolonged conflict.
Children Bear the Brunt of Sudan's Conflict
The protracted conflict between Sudan's Armed Forces and the RSF, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a catastrophic displacement crisis on a global scale. Children, constituting nearly 4 million of the displaced population, are enduring unimaginable hardships as they flee their homes in search of safety and sustenance.
In the North Darfur Zamzam camp, a heart-wrenching reality unfolds as at least one child succumbs to malnutrition every two hours, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The camp, rife with despair and suffering, epitomizes the devastating impact of the conflict on the most vulnerable members of society.
