Sudan is trapped in one of the world’s worst crises, as violent conflict and a worsening humanitarian disaster have pushed millions into suffering. The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023 as a fierce power struggle between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), rapidly plunging the country into widespread violence and devastation. Since then, intense fighting has erupted across Sudan, with no end in sight.
The crisis took a tragic turn on Oct. 28, when, after an 18-month siege, the RSF took full control of El Fasher, the capital of Darfur, after the SAF withdrew from the city. This takeover came with horrific violence, with more than 2,500 people killed over two days, including many civilians seeking refuge in the city’s hospitals. The Saudi Maternity Hospital alone reported around 460 deaths.
Estimates suggest that more than 150,000 people have died due to the conflict within the past two years. Following these events, tens of thousands fled El Fasher on foot, adding to the already staggering 14 million displaced inside and outside Sudan since the conflict began. As of early November, over 80,000 people had been uprooted from the El Fasher region alone, with many arriving in nearby towns and refugee camps, which remain critically understaffed and under-resourced.
Health facilities across Sudan are severely damaged, with roughly 70 percent out of service, contributing to the rapid spread of cholera and other diseases. The World Health Organization reported over 120,000 cholera cases recently. Meanwhile, food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels; over 24 million people are facing acute hunger, including at least 635,000 living under famine-like conditions.
Complicating the conflict is the involvement of foreign powers. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Chad have been accused of supplying weapons and resources to the RSF, worsening the fighting and obstructing peace efforts. This foreign support has turned what might have been a purely internal power struggle into a regional and international concern.
Although the RSF publicly agreed to a proposal from the United States and Arab powers for a humanitarian cease-fire, fighting continues, including deadly drone attacks in the capital Khartoum as recently as Nov. 6.
The SAF and RSF remain locked in a deadly battle for control, with both sides committing serious human rights abuses condemned by the international community. The UN warns of ongoing atrocities and calls urgently for ceasefire, humanitarian access, and protection for civilians.
As Sudan’s people endure continued violence, displacement, and hunger, the situation demands immediate global attention and action to prevent further loss of life and to support peace efforts.
Featured image: Flüchtlingscafe Göttingen
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