By : Lloyd Mahachi
The war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a massive displacement of people, with over a million fleeing to neighboring South Sudan, according to the United Nations. This displacement crisis is one of the worst in the world, with thousands of people fleeing their homes every day.
The conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. The war has also led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of food, shelter, and medical care.
The UN has reported that more than 770,000 people have fled through the Joda crossing on South Sudan’s northern border with Sudan in the last 21 months. This has put a massive strain on South Sudan’s resources, with healthcare, water, and shelter becoming “dangerously overstretched”.
The situation in South Sudan is dire, with nine million people in need of humanitarian aid, and almost 60% of the population facing high levels of food insecurity. The country is struggling to cope with the influx of displaced people, and the international community has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis.
The UN has appealed for more support, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The Norwegian Refugee Council has also called for more aid, stating that the people of South Sudan cannot shoulder the massive responsibility of hosting over a million displaced people alone.
Famine has been declared in several areas, including Sudan’s largest displacement camp, Zamzam, in North Darfur province. Famine conditions have been confirmed in Abu Shouk and al-Salam, two camps for internally displaced people in el-Fasher, as well as in residential and displaced communities in the Nuba Mountains in southern Sudan.
At least 20,000 people have been killed, and some 25 million – half of the country’s population – are suffering from severe hunger and in urgent need of humanitarian aid. The international community must act quickly to provide aid and support to those affected by the conflict.
The situation in Sudan is complex, with multiple factions and interests involved. However, one thing is clear: the humanitarian crisis is dire, and immediate action is needed to prevent further suffering. The international community must come together to provide aid, support, and protection to those affected by the conflict.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has called for more support for refugees and displaced people, stating that “the people of South Sudan cannot be left to shoulder this massive responsibility alone”. The international community must respond to this call, providing aid, support, and protection to those affected by the conflict.
The situation in Sudan is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and conflict. It is imperative that the international community comes together to provide aid, support, and protection to those affected, and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Editor :Josephine Mahachi
