Seven months into Sudan’s civil war, the situation in the capital, Khartoum, has escalated to dire conditions, with civilians enduring the brunt of the conflict. Abdul-Aziz Hussein, a teacher in Khartoum, speaks of being besieged, with ongoing fighting between the army and paramilitary forces, leaving residents like him in constant fear of death.
The conflict has claimed an estimated 5,000 lives, with many more injured, creating a humanitarian crisis. The UN reports that over five million people have been displaced, and 24.7 million urgently need humanitarian assistance. Access to clean water is limited, heightening the risk of diseases like cholera.
While humanitarian truces have been attempted, ongoing peace initiatives show minimal progress. The UN’s deputy special representative in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, emphasizes the need for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery and assess the extent of needs. The situation, she warns, could become catastrophic by the year-end if the war persists.
Even those who escaped to Port Sudan for relative safety face challenges. Displaced families, like Hawa Suleiman’s, struggle for survival, receiving only one meal a day. With food spoilage and the lack of refrigeration, the risk of sickness increases. Suleiman’s plea reflects the desperation of many: “Our suffering has gone beyond all limits.”
Refugees from various nationalities, including Syrians, Pakistanis, Indians, and South Sudanese, face hardships. Port Sudan, now hosting hundreds of families in overcrowded shelters, mirrors the widespread displacement caused by the war.
Humanitarian workers are also at risk, with Sudan being the most dangerous place for them globally. Security incidents involving UN workers have reached 900, with 19 deaths. Despite the pressing need for aid, the UN struggles to secure funds, having only covered a quarter of its $2.6 billion humanitarian response plan.
As Sudan faces this humanitarian crisis, a plea echoes for international assistance and a resolute push for peace to bring hope to the lives shattered by conflict. The urgency lies not just in the provision of immediate aid but in fostering a sustainable environment for the nation to rebuild and recover.
Source: BBC
