April 2024 marked one year of war in Sudan, displacing millions, and changing the course of life for many more people. Sudan has been suffering from violence and displacement associated with war since the early 2000’s, more specifically the Darfur crisis in 2003.
The crisis first began on April 15, 2023, at a time when humanitarian need was at its highest level in a decade in Sudan. The UN Refugee Agency reports that this conflict was serious, “Resulting in the displacement of more than 8.6 million people.” The sheer number of people forced to leave their homes made Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world.
The International Rescue Committee says, “Long-term political instability and economic pressures meant that 15.8 million people were in need of humanitarian aid. The conflict has only exacerbated these conditions, leaving almost 25 million people — more than half of Sudan’s population — in need.”
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces, clashed violently and initiated the current war that the Sudanese citizens are suffering from. The current result of this clashing of power is over 14,000 deaths, many more injured and over 8 million people displaced. Most of the fighting has been concentrated in Khartoum, the nation’s capital, says the International Rescue Committee.
With reports of “ethnic cleansing” in Darfur, and looting of businesses, markets, humanitarian aid warehouses, worsening the country’s food shortage when the country needs the most humanitarian aid it has access to the least.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says hunger in Sudan has worsened to the point where the Famine Early Warning System Network FEWS NET) issued an alert on May 3, 2024, for anticipated rising levels of hunger and severe acute malnutrition. During the months from May to September FEWS NET expects Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes to spread across Greater Darfur, Greater Kordofan, and in some areas of eastern Sudan, while pockets of households will face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) outcomes in parts of West Darfur, Khartoum, and among the displaced population in Greater Darfur.
As the war continues the need for humanitarian aid will only grow and prevention of this aid from reaching those that need it will also increase. Increasing need and decreasing ability to meet those needs.
There are ways to help the citizens of Sudan. The UNHCR is collecting funding by becoming a monthly donor you can help donate for aid. Savethechilderen.org is also collecting funding to help the children in Sudan. Organizations like UNICEF, the Sudan Relief Fund, World Food Programs, and more are also viable ways to help.
