ZURICH, Switzerland: Civilians in Sudan are enduring “horrendous levels of violence” in the 15-month civil war, according to a report by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) published on Monday.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, pits the regular army under Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti.
The war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over seven million people. Both factions have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians, indiscriminate shelling, and blocking humanitarian aid, leading to a severe threat of famine.
MSF’s report describes civilians facing repeated attacks, abuse, and exploitation. Vickie Hawkins, MSF’s general director in the Netherlands, noted that nowhere is safe for those trapped in conflict zones, with patients recounting stories of forced defections, looting, arson, and torture.
Despite many aid organizations halting operations in Sudan, MSF remains active in eight states, treating thousands of injuries caused by explosions, gunshots, and stabbings. The charity’s continued presence highlights the critical need for medical and humanitarian aid amid the ongoing violence.
