The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Over 21.2 million people are now facing acute hunger across the nation, a consequence of the nearly three-year conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.
The UN stated that famine conditions have been verified in certain regions. However, in areas where fighting has subsided, the World Food Programme has been able to expand its assistance efforts, contributing to a reduction in hunger levels. This underscores the critical need for sustained humanitarian access and a cessation of hostilities to effectively address the crisis.
These warnings follow weeks after the Rapid Support Forces gained control of Al-Fashir, a major city in the Darfur region, on October 26th, following a siege that began in May 2024. The deteriorating security situation has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people, with allegations of serious human rights abuses committed by the controlling forces. The UN Human Rights Council held a special session on November 14th, condemning the escalating violence in and around Al-Fashir and calling for an urgent investigation into the abuses.
Al-Fashir has been one of the areas most severely affected by the conflict, witnessing intense battles that culminated in the Rapid Support Forces taking control. This resulted in large-scale displacement. Reports and videos have emerged documenting forced displacement of civilians and acts of violence, including killings and torture, against residents.
The humanitarian suffering in Sudan is exacerbated by the ongoing war, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of approximately 13 million people since April 2023. The Rapid Support Forces control the five states of the Darfur region in the west, with the exception of some northern parts of North Darfur, which remain under the control of the army. The army controls most of the remaining 13 states, including the capital, Khartoum.
The international community is urged to increase its support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan and to exert pressure on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and allow for unimpeded access for aid organizations.
