The United Nations issued a dire warning on Tuesday, revealing that over one million individuals have escaped Sudan to seek refuge in neighboring nations.
Meanwhile, those remaining within the country are grappling with severe shortages of food and healthcare, leading to loss of lives, as a brutal conflict continues for four months.
The ongoing confrontations between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have inflicted significant damage on the capital city, Khartoum.
Moreover, these clashes have triggered ethnically motivated assaults in Darfur, intensifying the risk of Sudan descending into a prolonged civil war and causing potential destabilization across the region.
Amid a deepening crisis, urgent pleas from U.N. agencies emphasize the time-sensitive need for planting essential crops to sustain both farmers and communities. The scarcity of medical supplies worsens the situation, contributing to an escalating cycle of hardship, as noted in a joint U.N. statement.
Recent comments by Deputy Sovereign Council head Malik Agar hint at a potential shift towards negotiation, reflecting a possible softening of the army's stance. The conflict's toll is evident in displacement figures, with over a million seeking refuge in neighboring countries and 3.4 million displaced within Sudan, according to the latest IOM data.
The conflict, which began on April 15 due to tensions around a planned transition to civilian rule, has led to widespread battles and attacks, subjecting civilians to daily horrors and intensifying an already dire predicament.
Amidst ongoing turmoil in Sudan, millions in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan are confronting extensive looting and disruptions in essential services like power, communications, and water supply. The High Commissioner for Human Rights' spokesperson, Elizabeth Throssell, stressed the tragic reality of uncollected and unidentified casualties, with a death toll exceeding 4,000 according to U.N. estimates.
Disturbingly, incidents of sexual assaults have surged by 50%, highlighting the alarming vulnerability of the population. A massive electricity blackout and subsequent disruption of mobile networks have added to the crisis. Advocating for a way forward, Malik Agar has proposed the establishment of a caretaker government to rebuild services.
Seasonal rains have further exacerbated challenges, displacing around 13,500 people due to damaged homes. Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan squarely accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of impeding progress and committing numerous crimes.
Sudan's multifaceted crises have created an intricate and increasingly severe humanitarian emergency, posing immense challenges for its population.
Amidst the chaos, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have leveled accusations against the army, alleging their attempt to assert complete control with the backing of loyalists of former autocratic leader Omar al-Bashir, who was overthrown in a popular uprising in 2019.
Despite initiatives led by Saudi Arabia and the United States aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, progress has stagnated. Humanitarian agencies face immense challenges in delivering aid due to the prevailing insecurity, rampant looting, and bureaucratic obstacles.
The situation remains highly volatile, marked by political rivalries and external mediation attempts, while the suffering of the Sudanese population deepens.