By Wesley Omondi
KHARTOUM, SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 (CISA)– August 27 marked a grim milestone in Sudan—500 days of brutal war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since April 15, 2023, civilians have endured severe atrocities, sexual violence, and widespread destruction, leading to a humanitarian crisis that continues to spiral. This war has claimed countless lives, destroyed infrastructure, and left millions of Sudanese in despair.
“For 500 days, in the face of massive killings, rape, starvation, and destruction, the global community-the UN Security Council and especially the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development-has chosen apathy instead of action,” said Eskinder Negash, President and CEO of the U. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).
More than 8 million people are internally displaced in Sudan, while over 2 million have fled across borders in search of refuge. Children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis, with Sudan now hosting the world’s largest child displacement crisis. More than 4.6 million children have been uprooted from their homes, many forced to flee repeatedly due to ongoing violence in camps and surrounding areas.
“Sudan has a history of welcoming and protecting those fleeing conflict and persecution,” Negash said. “But now, these populations are once again threatened as violence encroaches on refugee camps.”
The humanitarian needs in Sudan are staggering. Over 24 million people urgently require aid, yet access to these populations remains severely restricted. This month, aid finally began to flow through the reopened Adre crossing, but it is still not enough. The warring parties continue to block humanitarian assistance, and natural disasters like flooding have compounded the crisis. Famine has already been declared in parts of Darfur, and malnutrition is rampant.
“We are failing the people of Sudan,” Negash stated. “The solemn mark of five hundred days is a stain on our global consciousness and must be a turning point. The time is now to ensure a sufficient and meaningful response.”
Sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, with women and girls suffering unspeakable atrocities. Children, some as young as infants, have been abandoned after being born from rape. The healthcare system, already under immense strain, is collapsing. Attacks on medical facilities have left millions without access to essential services, exacerbating the suffering.
“Attacks on medical facilities have rendered the country’s healthcare systems unable to respond to those wounded, sick, and in need of treatment,” Negash explained.
As the war rages on, schools have been destroyed, leaving over 17 million children without access to education. The country’s infrastructure is in tatters, and the future of an entire generation hangs in the balance.
“For the international media, the war and displacement in Sudan are not news worth reporting-a practice of selective outrage,” said Negash, criticizing the lack of global attention to the ongoing crisis.
USCRI continues to call on all parties involved in the conflict to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. The organization also urges the international community to prioritize funding for Sudan’s humanitarian response to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
“The time is now to act. We must not let these atrocities continue unchallenged,” concluded Negash.
