What is happening in Sudan?

Sudan is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented magnitude, primarily resulting from the civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The United Nations has described this situation as "one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory."

Scale of the Crisis:

1. Displacement: Over 8 million people have been displaced since the fighting began, with at least half of these being children.

   
   

2. Food Insecurity: More than 25 million people – over half of Sudan's population – are facing acute food insecurity. The Famine Review Committee has declared that at least one refugee camp in the Darfur region is experiencing famine.

   
   

3. Hunger: Many families have been reduced to one meal a day for months, with some resorting to eating leaves or insects to survive, according to agencies in the country.

   
   

4. Child Malnutrition: There are alarming rates of malnutrition among children, with reports suggesting that one in every two children under the age of 5 is experiencing chronic malnutrition or stunting. 

   
   

Deepening Crisis and International ResponseThe ongoing conflict has devastated Sudan's agricultural sector, leading to a sharp decline in food production. Many fields have been destroyed, mined, or abandoned by farmers fleeing the violence. This agricultural collapse, combined with the deliberate obstruction of aid by warring factions, has created a perfect storm of hunger. Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasised the gravity of the situation: "We cannot be clearer: Sudan is experiencing a starvation crisis of historic proportions. And yet, the silence is deafening. People are dying of hunger, every day, and yet the focus remains on semantic debates and legal definitions."

The weaponisation of food has become a stark reality in this conflict. UN human rights experts have accused both the SAF and RSF of using starvation as a war tactic. "Both the SAF and the RSF are using food as a weapon and starving civilians," they stated, highlighting the deliberate nature of the crisis. This tactic has been exacerbated by the blockade of humanitarian aid. In June 2024 alone, approximately 1.78 million people were denied access to critical assistance due to logistical constraints, arbitrary denials, and bureaucratic obstruction.

Infrastructure damage has further complicated aid efforts. A crucial bridge used for aid delivery to the Darfur region recently collapsed due to severe flooding, as reported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). "This was the only safe route for humanitarian aid to reach Central & (South) Darfur," MSF stated, underscoring the logistical challenges faced by aid organisations.

The international community's response has been insufficient to address the scale of the crisis. The Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan is currently only 41% funded, with much of the funding arriving too late to prevent deaths from starvation. This funding shortfall has forced aid organisations to make difficult decisions. For instance, the World Food Programme (WFP) had to suspend its malnutrition prevention program in August, leaving more than two million children and pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have seen limited success. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have been leading ceasefire talks, with a new round expected to begin in Switzerland. However, while the RSF has agreed to attend, the SAF has not yet confirmed its participation. Tom Perriello, the US-special envoy for Sudan, expressed cautious hope: "We have not given up hope that SAF will attend the talks," he stated, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic challenges.

Aid workers on the ground face significant dangers in delivering assistance. There have been reports of targeted attacks, arrests, and threats against local volunteers and humanitarian staff. The UN Security Council has demanded that the RSF end its siege of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state and the military's last stronghold in the Darfur region, in an attempt to improve humanitarian access.

The situation in Sudan remains highly volatile, with the humanitarian crisis showing no signs of abating. Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the gravity of the situation: 'We cannot be clearer: Sudan is experiencing a starvation crisis of historic proportions. And yet, the silence is deafening.' The ongoing conflict continues to have severe implications for the entire region, potentially destabilising neighbouring countries and straining already limited resources.

What is in it for you?

If you're a Sudanese citizen, the humanitarian crisis is likely affecting every aspect of your daily life. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created an environment of constant fear and uncertainty. 

For those in neighbouring countries, the crisis in Sudan presents significant humanitarian responsibilities and challenges. Your country may be providing crucial support and refuge to those fleeing the conflict, embodying the principle of international solidarity in times of crisis. This humanitarian response, while vital, can strain national resources and infrastructure, highlighting the need for increased international support and burden-sharing.

For global readers, the disruption of Sudan's oil production and exports might contribute to global energy market instability, potentially affecting fuel prices at your local gas station. The humanitarian crisis also puts strain on global aid resources, which could mean less funding available for other global issues that might be more directly relevant to your community. As global citizens, the suffering in Sudan challenges us all to consider our responsibility in addressing such crises, whether through supporting aid organisations, advocating for diplomatic solutions, or simply staying informed about global events.

What happens next?

Immediate steps are likely to focus on securing humanitarian corridors to allow aid to reach the most affected areas, particularly in Darfur and other regions where access has been severely restricted.

Diplomatic efforts are set to intensify, with a new round of ceasefire talks scheduled in Switzerland. The participation of both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in these talks is crucial for any meaningful progress. However, the SAF's reluctance to engage fully presents a significant hurdle. International mediators, led by the US and Saudi Arabia, will need to employ innovative strategies to bring both parties to the negotiating table and broker a lasting ceasefire. Simultaneously, there's an urgent need for the global community to substantially increase funding for humanitarian efforts. The current 41% funding of the Humanitarian Response Plan is woefully inadequate given the scale of the crisis.

The Polis Team in London