After months of mediation efforts by the East African bloc IGAD, there is a glimmer of hope in war-torn Sudan as the warring parties have agreed to implement a ceasefire and engage in political dialogue to end the conflict. This breakthrough comes amidst a looming humanitarian catastrophe, with the UN facing critical funding shortages and the victims of the war bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Amidst these developments, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have agreed to a one-on-one meeting, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict. Both parties have also expressed willingness to sign a cessation of hostilities agreement and engage in confidence-building measures, paving the way for a much-needed political process.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has wreaked havoc, resulting in extensive devastation and ethnic killings in Darfur. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), the power struggle has claimed the lives of more than 12,190 people.
The international community has condemned the brutal conflict, with the United States and the European Union accusing both rival forces of war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. The situation on the ground remains dire, with eyewitnesses reporting blasts at the Al-Jaili oil refinery and casualties during an attack on a Red Cross convoy in the capital.
Amidst the escalating crisis, the United Nations has issued a stark warning, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of the chronic lack of funding. With nearly 25 million people in need of aid and only a fraction being reached, the UN’s humanitarian response in Sudan is on the verge of collapse. The situation has been described as a “forgotten war,” with millions of displaced people and a woefully underfunded humanitarian response.
As the world’s attention shifts to other global conflicts, Sudan’s plight remains overlooked, plunging millions into a harrowing struggle for survival. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been one of the few organizations providing vital aid across Sudan, shedding light on the unprecedented humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for international assistance.
Despite the scale of the crisis, the humanitarian response remains severely underfunded, with only 38.6 percent of the required $2.6 billion for 2023 received so far. The UN coordinator for Sudan has warned of a time when even with physical access, the lack of resources would hinder the delivery of essential assistance, leaving millions in peril.
Amidst the chaos, there are glimmers of resilience, as limited access to conflict-affected areas has been restored. However, allegations of external support to the RSF have further complicated the situation, leading to diplomatic fallouts, as evidenced by Sudan’s declaration of 15 UAE diplomats as persona non grata.
The urgency for a ceasefire and eventual peace in Sudan cannot be overstated, with humanitarian organizations and UN representatives echoing the critical need for an end to hostilities. With a population of around 24.7 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance, the international community faces an unprecedented challenge in addressing this humanitarian crisis.
As the world grapples with multiple crises, the people of Sudan look to the global community for support, solidarity, and concerted efforts to bring about peace in their war-torn nation.
Adapted from original report by newswires and RFI