The Crisis in Sudan: A Call to Action
As more than half of Sudan’s population faces severe food insecurity, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warns of significant barriers to delivering humanitarian aid in the war-torn country and laments the international community’s indifference.
By Alexandra Sirgant
After fifteen months of conflict in Sudan, peace negotiations have stalled. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with 25 million people facing acute food insecurity. The situation is dire, yet the conflict in Sudan is not making headlines. This lack of media attention has resulted in underfunding of the humanitarian response.
According to the UN, at least 15,500 people have been killed, and 2 million have fled the country since the war began on April 15, 2023. The Red Cross faces obstacles in delivering aid to civilians, with challenges such as crossing front lines and obtaining necessary agreements from conflict parties proving to be tough.
Pierre Dorbes, head of the ICRC delegation based in Port Sudan, emphasized the need for the international community to negotiate and pressure conflict actors to simplify administrative processes and facilitate aid delivery. With 10 million displaced people within Sudan, representing 20 to 25% of the population, Sudan is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, yet it is not receiving the support it urgently needs.
Donors are much less generous towards Sudan compared to more publicized crises, leading to limited humanitarian response both within the country and in neighboring nations facing similar challenges. Of the 2 million people who have fled Sudan, 35% have sought refuge in South Sudan and 33% in Chad, highlighting the regional impact of the crisis.
This call to action urges the international community to rally behind Sudan and support efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. The people of Sudan cannot afford to be forgotten amidst the ongoing conflict and their desperate plea for assistance.
