The conflict in Sudan continues to escalate, particularly after the Sudanese Armed Forces recaptured Khartoum. Despite this military success, the humanitarian situation is dire, with significant needs among the population and local responders under threat. Analysts emphasize the complexities of the ongoing conflict, highlighting the importance of international intervention and increased pressure on the warring factions to facilitate humanitarian access. The circumstances for civilians remain bleak as fighting shifts to other regions of the country.
The recent conflict in Sudan has escalated, with the de facto military ruler visiting Khartoum after recapturing the city from a competing paramilitary faction. The extent to which this will alter the ongoing devastation remains uncertain. Khartoum, once a thriving metropolis, now hosts displaced individuals amidst significant infrastructure collapse due to the humanitarian crisis that has escalated since April 2023.
Mathilde Vu, an aid worker from the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlighted the grim aftermath of the crisis, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see people dying in huge numbers from hunger in Sudan, once the breadbasket of East Africa.” She emphasized that grassroots efforts by local responders are crucial in addressing the humanitarian needs, often functioning without adequate resources or visibility. Despite their resilience, these efforts are increasingly jeopardized by violence, with ten responders reported killed in recent months.
The Sudanese Armed Forces have recently consolidated control over significant areas including the presidential palace and central bank. This military success, while symbolically significant, does not guarantee future stability or humanitarian assistance. The dire situation is underscored by comments from Abiol Lual Deng, a prominent political scientist, who remarked on the relatable suffering experienced by civilians, stating, “This is a city where people died from starvation and infectious disease — not just bullets.”
Deng further noted that, despite some aid potentially returning to Khartoum, the overall scale of need remains overwhelming, with two-thirds of the population in need of assistance. Khartoum’s economic paralysis has broader implications, affecting the entire nation as the city traditionally played a pivotal role in financial and market activities in Sudan.
Analysts like Dallia Abdelmoniem pointed out that displaced individuals are returning to war-torn neighborhoods lacking basic services like water and healthcare due to necessity. However, the broader military conflict continues, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) regrouping in Darfur, retaining significant influence and serving as a reminder that resolution efforts seem unlikely.
As the RSF establishes a more entrenched parallel government, Abdelmoniem cautioned against viewing recent territorial gains by the SAF as a sign of resolution. She concluded, “Negotiations appear dead in the water,“ noting that the SAF could pursue a military resolution, which may exacerbate the fighting in Darfur.
Conditions for civilians remain dire, particularly in regions like Al-Fasher, where families risk their lives to flee conflict zones. In addition, the blockade of humanitarian aid exacerbates the crisis. Both sides of the conflict have impeded aid access, though organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières maintain neutrality to provide assistance where possible.
Despite ongoing challenges, the international response to Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has faced significant criticism for its inadequacy, as emphasized by Vu’s statement urging priority for humanitarian access amidst political discourse. The internal cohesiveness of the SAF remains uncertain, with historical complexities complicating the power dynamics between the SAF and RSF.
The global dynamics surrounding Sudan’s conflict raise important considerations about the nature of the war. Deng elaborated on how these events intersect with broader geopolitical interests, asserting, “We’re entering an era where global geopolitics is less about rules and more about resources.” As the situation continues to evolve, the SAF must secure its hold over Khartoum while navigating the complex landscape of both domestic and international pressures.
In conclusion, the conflict remains unresolved, with displaced citizens at risk and inadequate humanitarian support persisting across the nation. The necessity of increased international pressure on the warring factions is paramount to prevent further civilian suffering and tackle the humanitarian crisis effectively. Without meaningful engagement from influential global players, the cycle of violence and humanitarian crises in Sudan is likely to continue, placing immense strain on its population.
In summary, the humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum, remains gravely concerning due to ongoing violence and displacement. Despite recent military gains by the Sudanese Armed Forces, the fragility of humanitarian efforts persistently undermines relief access. Urgent action is required from the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid is prioritized over political dialogues, as millions of civilians continue to suffer amid the ongoing conflict. The complexities of the warring factions and geopolitical influences further complicate the prospects for peace and restoration. Without substantial intervention, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will escalate, increasing the plight of its people.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
