Sudan's Yearlong Conflict: Humanitarian Catastrophe and a Search for Peace Amid Growing Crisis
As Sudan's war drags into its second year, the country faces a dire humanitarian situation, with millions on the brink of famine and a desperate need for international aid.
Published April 16, 2024 - 00:04am
After a year of devastating civil strife in Sudan between military forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the nation is still caught in the throes of chaos, with no imminent resolution in sight. The United Nations has warned of a significantly worsening humanitarian crisis in the coming months, potentially pushing some regions into famine.
According to officials from the World Health Organization, speaking in Geneva, the window to address the crisis is closing fast. With over 70-80% of Sudan's health facilities out of service due to conflict, the shortage in medical supplies meets only 25% of needs. Certain states like Darfur hadn't received medical supplies in a year.
Humanitarian aid, even if immediate, may not be sufficient to avert a looming famine, say experts. A year-long partnership, with the international community weak in response, is collapsing amidst increasing chaos, displacement, and violence.
The war, which erupted over disagreements between the Sudanese army and semi-military RSF, shattered hopes of a peaceful transition after President Omar Al-Bashir's ousting. Competition over extensive commercial interests transcends Sudan's borders, complicating the conflict further.
Despite the army's weaponry superiority, RSF's growth poses a crucial balance of power factor. Main conflict areas like Darfur and the Gezira agricultural state are under RSF control, complicating access to food and resources.
Efforts to end the conflict through Saudi-U.S. mediation have repeatedly failed, with ceasefires broken and overlapping diplomatic efforts adding to the complexities. The international community has called for renewed peace talks, and Paris hosts a donor conference to address the funding shortfall for the crisis.
Inside Sudan, millions depend on international aid, with the health system in collapse and diseases like measles and cholera spreading. Restrictions and danger of looting hinder humanitarian relief efforts, underlining the urgent need for a political solution to end the conflict.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has now reached a critical point where international observers are raising alarms over the potential for widespread starvation and social collapse. The fragmented leadership seen after the ousting of President Omar Al-Bashir in 2019 left a vacuum that was swiftly filled by contentious forces, exacerbating regional insecurities and leading to the current dire situation. The RSF, initially conceived as a paramilitary unit, has been increasingly influential, challenging the Sudanese army for territorial control and power, thus making peace an exceedingly difficult goal to achieve.
As violence continues to disrupt agriculture and trade, the concern for food scarcity is palpable. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that several areas, especially in conflict zones where the RSF is active, are on the brink of a hunger catastrophe. The disruption of planting and harvesting cycles due to ongoing skirmishes, combined with an economic downturn, skyrocketing inflation rates, and disruptions in transportation corridors, have all played a role in fostering food insecurity. The lack of a legitimate and stable government capable of addressing these issues only further enshrines the nation's plight.
Moreover, the global COVID-19 pandemic has compounded Sudan's crises by straining an already fragile healthcare system, causing delays in the delivery of aid, and enforcing restrictions that impact humanitarian operations. Health experts express grave concerns over the possibility of COVID-19 intersecting with other communicable diseases in an environment with scarce medical supplies and few operational facilities. The seasonality of diseases such as cholera and the measles outbreak are punctuating what is already a multifaceted health emergency.
Outside Sudan, the African Union (AU) and other regional entities are seeking to influence the peacemaking process, offering platforms for negotiation and attempting to curtail external interference, which often aligns with various factions' business interests more than the humanitarian need. However, regional political rivalries and individual country orientations have meant that the AU's impact is mitigated.
Human rights organizations worldwide are sounding the alarm on the atrocities being committed in the conflict, including allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These organizations are urging the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take more decisive action to protect civilians and facilitate access to essential services.
Within this complex geopolitical tapestry, the citizens of Sudan bear the brunt of suffering. Stories emerge of families displaced multiple times as they flee violence, only to face new insecurity wherever they find refuge. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in these conditions. The international donor conference in Paris aims not only to bridge the gap in funding but also to highlight the resilience and unmet needs of the Sudanese people, who remain hopeful that peace will return to their homeland.
As negotiations continue and the world watches, the feeling on the ground in Sudan is one of uncertainty and urgency. A resolution appears remote, and the immediate necessity is to alleviate the suffering of millions. The humanitarian disaster unfolding in Sudan serves as a stark reminder of the international community's responsibility to support nations in strife and the importance of a global response that is both compassionate and pragmatic.