The Devastating Impact of Civil War in Sudan
Fifteen months of ferocious civil war in Sudan has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. Over 150,000 lives have been lost, and more than nine million people have been displaced from their homes and lands.
The conflict originated from a political dispute between two military generals who opposed integration into a transition plan for free elections following the ousting of long-ruling autocrat Omar al-Bahsir in 2019. This disagreement has escalated into what is now recognized as the largest internal displacement crisis globally.
The consequences of the war are dire – agriculture has been destroyed, banks looted, and famine rampant. Vulnerable populations, including babies, are facing starvation, with relief efforts impeded by ongoing fighting.
Unimaginable Levels of Violence
A recent report by Medecins Sans Frontiers has exposed the blatant disregard for human life and international law by the warring factions in Sudan. The Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have subjected civilians to unimaginable levels of violence since the conflict began in April 2023.
Medical teams from MSF have witnessed the aftermath of bombings, shelling, and attacks on essential infrastructure, exacerbating the physical and mental wounds of violence due to the collapse of the healthcare system and limited humanitarian aid.
Survivors of the conflict recount harrowing tales of sexual, gender-based, and ethnic violence, along with forced evictions, looting, and arson. Despite numerous mediation efforts, hostilities persist, leaving civilians unprotected and suffering.
The crisis in Sudan is a stark reminder of the urgent need for international intervention to end the violence and provide vital humanitarian assistance to those in need.
(Source: Reuters and other News Agencies)
By Linda Bordoni
