The Catastrophic Crisis in Sudan: A Dire Call for Global Action

On Monday, the United Nations migration agency issued a grave alert regarding the dire situation in conflict-ridden Sudan, declaring it to be at a devastating “breaking point,” with the specter of tens of thousands of preventable fatalities on the horizon.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) underscored how both famine and floods exacerbate an already dire array of challenges confronting millions within this beleaguered nation. Sudan now grapples with the largest displacement crisis on the planet.

“Let there be no doubt: these conditions will not only persist but will deepen if the conflict continues alongside restrictions on humanitarian aid,” stated Othman Belbeisi, the IOM’s director for the Middle East and North Africa.

“Unless we mount an urgent, substantial, and cooperative global initiative, we risk witnessing a tragedy where tens of thousands could die from preventable causes in the coming months. We stand at a catastrophic breaking point—indeed, a calamitous one.”

Since April 2023, a fierce war has erupted between the Sudanese army, commanded by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, formerly led by his deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

This brutal conflict has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives, as reported by the U.N.

The IOM recently indicated that over 10.7 million individuals are now internally displaced, with many having been uprooted on multiple occasions.

In addition, approximately 2.3 million people have fled to neighboring nations.

Since June, flooding has forced over 20,000 individuals out of their homes across 11 of Sudan’s 18 states, with the IOM noting that essential infrastructure has been destroyed, hampering the delivery of critical supplies.

Overall, over 45,000 people have been displaced in just the past fortnight, with more than 38,000 spilling into neighboring territories.

The United Nations has reported that the Zamzam camp near the besieged Darfur city of el-Fasher is now on the brink of famine.

The IOM characterized the humanitarian and protection landscape in Sudan as “among the worst in the world,” highlighting the severe challenges faced by aid agencies.

“Obstacles to humanitarian access, including impediments placed by conflicting parties, have drastically hindered aid organizations’ capacity to ramp up efforts and save lives, particularly in this ongoing rainy season,” the Geneva-based organization stated.

“Immediate funding is critical for those who remain in dire need of sustenance, shelter, clean water, healthcare services, and specialized protection,” they emphasized.