Number of Refugees Surpasses One Million as Crisis Escalates in Sudan
August 15, 2023 (Reuters) – The United Nations issued a grave warning on Tuesday as the number of refugees fleeing Sudan surpassed one million, while those still inside the country face dire circumstances including attacks, looting, and blackouts. The four months of war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have not only devastated the capital, Khartoum, but also sparked ethnically driven violence in Darfur, heightening concerns of a prolonged civil war and regional instability.
The UN agencies released a joint statement, stating that time is running out for farmers to plant crops, exacerbating the already critical shortage of food. Additionally, medical supplies are scarce, leaving people without access to proper healthcare. “The situation is spiraling out of control,” the statement warned.
Amid the dire situation, a potential softening of the army’s stance was observed. Deputy Sovereign Council head Malik Agar emphasized that the war will ultimately end at a negotiating table, acknowledging the tremendous hardships endured by the citizens.
The latest figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveal that over one million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, while an estimated 3.4 million people have been displaced within Sudan itself. These numbers paint a grim picture of the mass exodus and internal displacement resulting from the ongoing conflict.
The war initially erupted on April 15, triggered by tensions surrounding the planned transition to civilian rule. Since then, civilians in Khartoum and beyond have been exposed to daily battles and attacks, leading to a breakdown in essential services. Residents in Khartoum, as well as cities in the Darfur and Kordofan regions, have faced rampant looting, prolonged power cuts, and disruptions to communication and water supplies.
Elizabeth Throssell, spokesperson for the High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the disturbing fact that many of those killed remain uncollected, unidentified, and unburied. The UN estimates that the death toll has already reached over 4,000.
Another distressing aspect of the crisis is the increase in sexual assaults, which have risen by 50%, according to a UN population fund official, Laila Baker.
Adding to the woes, large parts of the country have been plunged into darkness due to an electricity blackout since Sunday, rendering mobile networks inoperational, according to the national electricity authority.
Malik Agar emphasized the urgent need for a caretaker government to provide essential services and aid in rebuilding the country. Furthermore, seasonal rains have destroyed or damaged the homes of up to 13,500 people, posing an increased risk of water-borne diseases.
Army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, in a speech on Monday, accused the RSF of attempting to roll back the progress made towards a modern state, adding that they were committing unimaginable crimes. On the other hand, the RSF has accused the army of attempting to seize complete power on behalf of loyalists of former leader Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted during a popular uprising in 2019.
Efforts led by Saudi Arabia and the United States to negotiate a ceasefire have faltered, leaving humanitarian agencies struggling to provide assistance due to insecurity, looting, and bureaucratic obstacles.
The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, with countless lives at stake and millions of people displaced. Urgent international intervention and coordinated efforts are necessary to address the escalating crisis and provide much-needed aid to those affected.
Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz in Dubai, Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo, and Gabrielle Tetrault-Farber in Geneva; Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Alexandra Hudson and Jonathan Oatis