Sudan facing imminent collapse and hunger amidst one-year civil unrest
Amidst the one-year mark of internal conflict in Sudan, concerns rise over the country's imminent collapse and widespread hunger. Humanitarian agencies sound the alarm on a dire humanitarian crisis that has received little global attention.
As Sudan observes the solemn anniversary of a year-long conflict, aid agencies have issued a stark warning about the country's precarious situation. Islamic Relief, a humanitarian and development organization, has raised concerns about Sudan facing a severe humanitarian crisis that has been overlooked by the global community. The agency highlighted the looming threat of mass famine, particularly putting young children at risk of starvation.
The situation in Sudan is very serious. According to Doctors Without Borders (MSF), over 8.4 million people, including 2 million children under 5, have been forced to leave their homes due to the conflict.
Despite these alarming numbers, the international response has been insufficient. Islamic Relief stated that only 5% of the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Sudan has been funded so far.
Smoke rises above houses in Khartoum on April 16, 2023, during ongoing clashes between rival generals in Sudan. The violence began on April 15 following escalating tensions between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Both sides have blamed each other for starting the conflict. 
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Formal discussions to bring an end to the war in Sudan could resume in mid-April, according to the US special envoy. Elsadig Elnour, the country director for Sudan at the agency, expressed concern about the escalating violence, chaos, and devastation in his homeland. He mentioned feeling disappointed by the lack of attention from the international community.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in millions being displaced and numerous civilians losing their lives or suffering severe injuries.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern about the situation in Sudan in a statement released on Monday. Türk warned of a potential increase in violence as the parties involved in the conflict continue to arm civilians and more armed groups join the fighting.
Since the civil war began, many homes, schools, hospitals, and important buildings have been destroyed. This has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in the country, leading to the largest displacement crisis in the world.
According to Türk, nearly 18 million people are struggling to have enough food to eat, with 14 million of them being children. Additionally, more than 70 percent of hospitals are not working properly, which has resulted in an increase in infectious diseases.
On Monday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about possible "crimes against humanity" occurring in the country. He highlighted recent reports of increasing tensions in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, as a reason for serious concern.
Over the weekend, militias linked to the RSF launched attacks on villages located to the west of El Fasher, resulting in the destruction of homes and causing many people to flee. Guterres noted that this violence led to a significant number of individuals being displaced. Additionally, clashes continued on Monday in the outskirts of El Fasher, indicating ongoing instability in the region.
Guterres warned that any attack on El Fasher would have devastating consequences for civilians and could spark widespread intercommunal conflict in Darfur. He emphasized the importance of preventing such a scenario.
It is crucial to break the 'wall of silence' surrounding the situation in order to address the potential threat and protect the people of Darfur. This calls for increased communication and collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent further escalation of violence.
The donor conference in France on Monday aims to support mediation efforts, enhance international coordination, and assist Sudanese civilians, according to French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné.
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Fear, the threat of famine, and a deadly ultimatum have led many to join Sudan's paramilitary forces. This has caused their ranks to swell.
During a press conference in Paris with the German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, he emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around the conflict. The goal is to rally support from the international community.
Today, Baerbock emphasized our commitment to remembering the hardships faced by the people in Sudan. She highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in the conflict-ridden nation.
A recent CNN report revealed that in just three months, nearly 700 men and 65 children were coerced into joining Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Jazira state.
A lawyer from the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies, Mohamed Badawi, explained to CNN at the time that the tactics used by the RSF were compared to an "enforced labor system". He mentioned that individuals could face arrest if they refused to "kill for" the RSF.
There was a noticeable absence of any response.
Doctors Without Borders is urging leaders at the Paris conference to increase the humanitarian response in Sudan immediately. The charity expressed concern that the lack of action from humanitarian organizations and the UN has worsened an already dire situation in Sudan. Sudanese authorities are accused of obstructing aid delivery in certain areas, while the RSF has been reported to have looted health facilities and supplies.
Mohamed Osman, a researcher at Human Rights Watch focusing on Sudan, emphasized the need for a shift in the global response to the brutal conflict in Sudan.
Osman called on leaders to ensure that those who commit atrocities and violate international humanitarian law are held accountable. He emphasized that the warring parties in Sudan have caused immense suffering to people from all backgrounds. At the meeting in Paris, leaders should address the insufficient humanitarian funding, especially for local responders, and take concrete actions against those obstructing aid delivery to vulnerable populations.
US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello mentioned that a specific date for peace talks has not been determined yet. He stated during a State Department briefing that Saudi Arabia is looking to facilitate inclusive talks, with hopes of announcing a date in the near future. Perriello had previously suggested that talks could potentially resume around mid-April, post-Ramadan, potentially on April 18.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, which has been overlooked by the international community. The conflict has displaced millions, left countless children at risk of starvation, and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals. The article calls for increased attention and funding to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese people.
It is disheartening to see the suffering of the Sudanese people, who have been caught in a brutal conflict that has caused widespread displacement, hunger, and destruction. The lack of international response is unacceptable, and more must be done to provide humanitarian assistance and support peace efforts. The donor conference in France is a step in the right direction, but more concrete actions are needed to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of the Sudanese people.
