KHARTOUM: In response to the escalating violence in Sudan that has led to the displacement of approximately one million people within the past month, the United Nations has called for an emergency Security Council meeting.
The meeting aims to address the dire situation and find solutions to alleviate the suffering of the affected population. The conflict, primarily between Sudan’s military and a rival paramilitary force, has resulted in the internal displacement of nearly 850,000 people and forced 250,000 individuals to flee across Sudan’s borders.
UN estimates reveal that more than half of Sudan’s population is now in desperate need of aid and protection, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Leni Kinzli, spokesperson for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan, stated that the fighting continues in the capital, Khartoum, where the conflict initially erupted.
The situation is extremely challenging, with approximately 19 million people at risk of hunger in the coming months. Kinzli emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the safety of WFP staff to enable the continuation of vital operations.
Due to the ongoing violence, the WFP had to suspend food distributions three weeks ago but resumed them from Port Sudan two weeks ago. However, the fighting makes it increasingly challenging to operate, and the number of internally displaced people and refugees continues to rise, compounding the humanitarian crisis.
In a promising development, the warring factions signed an agreement on Saturday for a seven-day ceasefire, which will take effect at 9:45 pm Khartoum time on Monday. The agreement, supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the international community, aims to establish a monitoring mechanism to enforce the ceasefire.
Sudan ceasefire
During this period, both sides have committed to allowing the distribution of humanitarian assistance and withdrawing forces from hospitals and essential public facilities. The ceasefire represents an opportunity to silence the guns and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, as emphasized by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who urged both sides to uphold the agreement.
However, breaches of previous agreements by Sudan’s warring parties have raised concerns. Martin Griffiths, head of the UN’s aid agency OCHA in the region, highlighted the occurrence of significant breaches since the signing of the previous agreement, jeopardizing the safety of civilians and infrastructure and hindering the delivery of crucial aid.
To address the growing needs of the displaced people, the United States has pledged over 100 million euros for Sudan and neighboring countries. The United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 220,000 people have fled Sudan, seeking refuge in neighboring countries such as Egypt, Chad (bordering Darfur), and South Sudan.
Additionally, some individuals have headed to Port Sudan, hoping to secure passage to Saudi Arabia. The allocated funds will support displaced populations, with 50 million euros earmarked for addressing needs within Sudan, 22 million euros for South Sudan, 17 million euros for Chad, and 6 million euros for Egypt.
As the conflict persists, the humanitarian needs in Sudan continue to spiral. The recorded death toll stands at 676, with more than 5,500 reported injuries. However, the actual figures are expected to be significantly higher, as there have been distressing reports of bodies left in the streets and difficulties in burying the deceased.
According to OCHA, nearly 25 million people in Sudan are in need of assistance, a substantial increase from the 15 million prior to the conflict’s outbreak. With the conflict entering its second month, an alarming 24.7 million people require humanitarian aid and protection, marking the highest number ever seen in the country.
