The conflict in Sudan has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with 30 million people needing aid due to a power struggle between the SAF and RSF. Widespread famine and sexual violence against children have exacerbated the situation, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian intervention and accountability from the warring parties.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the world’s “largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis,” according to top aid officials addressing the U.N. Security Council. The war began in April 2023 due to a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as Sudan aimed for a shift to civilian rule. Currently, nearly 30 million people, two-thirds of Sudan’s population, are projected to require humanitarian assistance this year.
Aid officials, such as Christopher Lockyear from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), emphasized that the RSF, SAF, and other involved parties are exacerbating civilian suffering instead of protecting them. In contrast, the RSF denies intentionally obstructing aid, attributing such actions to rogue actors, and claims it will investigate the allegations. Similarly, the SAF also refutes accusations of endangering civilians, with Sudan’s U.N. Ambassador sharing that he had not encountered any concerns from Lockyear during a private meeting.
Famine conditions have deteriorated in at least five areas, affecting around 1.3 million children under five, as reported by UNICEF head Catherine Russell. The agency warns that over 3 million children are likely to face deadly diseases like cholera and malaria due to a collapsing healthcare system. Despite these reports, the Sudanese government insists on food stability as confirmed by their Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
In addition to hunger, sexual violence has surged, with hundreds of children raped, some as young as infants, in 2024 alone. Russell highlighted 16 documented cases involving children under five, stating, “Four were babies under the age of one.” The scale of sexual violence is suspected to be much greater, as indicated by data from local survivor support groups. Lockyear mentioned that MSF has assisted 385 sexual violence survivors, revealing that many are minors assaulted by armed individuals, especially while working in fields.
A U.N. fact-finding report disclosed shocking levels of sexual abuse attributed to the RSF and associated forces, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability. The U.S. previously labeled actions of RSF members and allied militias in Sudan as genocidal back in January.
The conflict in Sudan has resulted in a severe humanitarian emergency, with millions in need of aid, rampant famine, and alarming levels of sexual violence. As warring parties continue to hinder humanitarian assistance, both types of crises threaten the lives and well-being of countless civilians. The international community, as highlighted by various agencies like the U.N. and MSF, must address these issues urgently and hold perpetrators accountable to protect vulnerable populations in Sudan.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
