As the conflict in Sudan approaches its two-year mark, the plight of its citizens remains a focal point of global concern. The ongoing struggle between the country’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to significant humanitarian challenges, prompting millions to seek refuge both domestically and abroad.
The discord erupted on April 15, 2023, igniting longstanding tensions between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. This conflict has escalated into what many are describing as an existential battle for the nation.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) reveals a staggering 8,942 recorded attacks between April 2023 and October 2024, averaging approximately 16 incidents per day. Notably, Khartoum has been the epicenter of this violence, accounting for 54 percent of the attacks. Recent military offensives aim to reclaim territories seized by the RSF, as the city faces immense pressure.
In Gezira State, known as the agricultural heartland of Sudan, 1,077 attacks have been documented. North Darfur, a region that has historically faced internal conflicts, reports 818 incidents. The violence is not contained to these primary areas, as South Darfur, North Kordofan, and West Darfur also experience regular hostilities.
The human cost continues to rise with ACLED reporting at least 24,000 confirmed fatalities. Alarmingly, indirect deaths—stemming from disease, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare—are likely to elevate this number significantly. The urban center of Khartoum has seen the majority of casualties, while West and North Darfur also bear heavy losses, emphasizing the need for humanitarian intervention.
As the conflict progresses, the United Nations notes the alarming displacement crisis engulfing the nation. About 30 percent of Sudan’s population, equating to more than 14 million individuals, have been forced to leave their homes. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that approximately 11 million are internally displaced, while more than three million have crossed into neighboring countries, creating a strain on these regions, particularly Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.
Despite ongoing attempts at peace negotiations, the violence shows little indication of abating. This situation necessitates urgent international attention and support to address the dire humanitarian needs of the Sudanese people. Continued advocacy and effective diplomatic efforts are crucial to pave the way for stability and peace in Sudan, aiming to restore safety and dignity to its citizens.
#MiddleEastNews #WorldNews