War in Sudan Sparks Humanitarian Crisis and Record Displacement to Neighboring Countries

Sudan plunged into war in April last year, triggering widespread unrest and forcing thousands to flee their homes. According to United Nations (UN) agencies, at least 8.5 million Sudanese have been displaced, seeking shelter in refugee camps and neighboring countries. This conflict has resulted in numerous deaths and severe hunger, destroying what was once a safe haven for millions.

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), highlighted that the Nile state, controlled by Sudanese armed forces, is currently the only relatively safe and accessible route within Sudan. Most cities have been engulfed by the conflict.

Grandi stated, “There are deeply concerning impacts of the war even in this region, with a vast number of displaced people, many from Khartoum, Jazeera region, Darfur, and Kourdafan. Additionally, there are longstanding South Sudanese refugees who have been hosted in Sudan for decades, many of whom are now displaced.”

Hunger is increasing across the country, potentially leading to further displacement. The ongoing rainy season has rendered many areas inaccessible for humanitarian operations. Since the conflict began, 700,000 people have fled to South Sudan, with about 80 percent being South Sudanese returning home. Grandi emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “There has been significant attention, rightly so, on hunger and the potential impact of floods affecting even more of the population. Refugees arriving in Chad from these regions report horrific accounts of human rights abuses: rape, forced recruitment of children, killings, mutilation, extortion, house occupations, and numerous violations of international humanitarian law.”

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield addressed the UN Security Council in March, focusing on food security risks in Sudan. She stated that a record 18 million Sudanese are facing acute food insecurity, warning that without urgent humanitarian assistance, many could face catastrophic food shortages in the coming months.

Among the displaced is Ibrahim Zakaria Adam Abdallah, 32, currently residing in Gorom camp in Central Equatoria, South Sudan. Originally from Nyala in Western Sudan, South Darfur state, he fled due to the war. He described his harrowing journey, “Many atrocities occurred during the war. Our home was destroyed, our belongings stolen. The situation in Sudan is beyond comprehension. Many lives were lost, and countless people displaced.”

Ibrahim noted that people have fled to various countries including Chad, Niger, Egypt, Libya, Uganda, and Central Africa. He appeals for peace and stability in Sudan so that he can return home and continue his education, describing life in the refugee camp as stressful.

Banzil Ali, a second-year medical student, is also among those affected. She is currently residing in Gorom refugee camp due to the conflict in Sudan. “I left Sudan for South Sudan in search of safety and to continue my education. However, I was dismayed to find no support from the United Nations Office of Human Resources for university students,” she said.

She further added, “The conditions are dire. There’s no access to education, healthcare, or security. I’m suffering from severe psychological distress due to the interruption of my education.” She seeks assistance to resume her studies.

Sudan urgently requires humanitarian aid. The lack of assistance risks further displacement and starvation, with the possibility of hunger-related deaths.

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