Sudan Crisis: Escalating Chaos as Mass Exodus Continues

author: FutureCar Staff    

The United Nations has warned that more than one million people have fled Sudan to neighboring states, while those inside the country are facing a shortage of food and lack of healthcare due to the ongoing war. The conflict, which has been ongoing for four months, has resulted in devastating effects on the capital Khartoum and has sparked ethnically-driven attacks in Darfur, posing a threat of a prolonged civil war and regional instability.

In a joint statement, UN agencies expressed concern over the dwindling time for farmers to plant crops that would sustain them and their communities, as well as the scarcity of medical supplies. They described the situation as spiraling out of control.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the war has forced over one million people to seek refuge in neighboring countries, many of which were already grappling with conflicts or economic crises. Additionally, approximately 3.4 million people have been displaced within Sudan itself.

The conflict erupted on April 15, stemming from tensions related to the planned transition to civilian rule. As a result, civilians in Khartoum and other areas have been exposed to daily battles and attacks.

The remaining millions in Khartoum, as well as in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, have faced looting, prolonged power outages, and limited access to communication and water supplies.

Elizabeth Throssell, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, revealed that many of those who lost their lives have not been identified, collected, or buried. The UN estimates that the death toll has surpassed 4,000. Reports of sexual assaults have also seen a 50% increase, according to Laila Baker, a UN population fund official.

In addition to the ongoing conflict, Sudan has been grappling with an electricity blackout since Sunday, which has also disrupted mobile networks. The blackout has affected large portions of the country, exacerbating the challenges faced by the population. Moreover, seasonal rains have destroyed or damaged the homes of up to 13,500 people, further increasing the risk of water-borne diseases.

Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of attempting to revert the country back to a pre-modern state and committing various crimes. The RSF, on the other hand, has accused the army of trying to seize complete control with the support of loyalists of former leader Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted during a popular uprising in 2019.

Efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United States to negotiate a ceasefire have stalled, and humanitarian agencies have faced challenges in providing relief due to insecurity, looting, and bureaucratic obstacles.

FutureCar Staff