Civil war in Sudan: 19 months of conflict trigger humanitarian catastrophe

Johannesburg — The ongoing civil war in Sudan has become one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, displacing 13 million people from their homes in just 19 months. The conflict erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, fueled by a breakdown in negotiations between their leaders, the once-cooperative generals responsible for the country since its military takeover.

Impact on Health and Education

The war has resulted in a devastating toll on human health, with outbreaks of dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and measles hitting children particularly hard. The collapse of the education sector has left an estimated 90% of Sudan's children without access to schooling.

While journalists and aid officials have faced significant obstacles in reporting from Sudan, independent researchers are raising alarm over the underreported death toll from the conflict. A study published by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimates that at least 61,000 people lost their lives in Khartoum State between April 2023 and June 2024, with over 90% of deaths going unrecorded. This staggering figure points to a much graver situation than previously acknowledged.

Heightening Fears of Further Violence

As the conflict intensifies, concerns are mounting over a potential assault by RSF combatants on the city of El Fasher in Darfur. The imminent attack is expected to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, further compounding the suffering of the civilian population. The Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab revealed that if the RSF captures El Fasher, it may target the nearby Zamzam camp, which shelters approximately 500,000 displaced civilians.

Amid these fears, the Zamzam camp has been officially declared in famine, raising alarms about the impending threat to the lives of thousands of children without access to adequate nutrition.

International Involvement

The conflict in Sudan has been exacerbated by external support for both sides, complicating efforts to resolve the crisis. Reports by Amnesty International allege that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are utilizing weapons supplied by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and military technology from France, raising concerns about potential further human rights abuses. Despite denying any involvement, the UAE's Foreign Ministry's response has been met with skepticism, as evidence suggests continued arms supplies to the region in defiance of a United Nations embargo.