Sudan’s ‘living nightmare’ continues as 11 million people flee war, mass killings
“The situation in Sudan is dire. There is simply no other way to express it. Hunger and sexual violence are widespread. For the people of Sudan, this is a living nightmare,” Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The conflict that broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and their former partners turned rivals for power, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has now left 11 million internally displaced people. IOM said Tuesday that after more than 18 months of war, 3.1 million people are sheltering outside the border.
Violence increased
United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk also expressed “deep concern” on Tuesday about the sharp escalation of hostilities in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state.
According to his rights office (OHCHR) violence increased following the October 20 defection of RSF commander Abu Aqla Keikel to the forces of the ruling military government.
In apparent retaliation, the RSF launched a series of attacks targeting members of his ethnic group, killing at least 124 people on Friday in the village of Al-Seriha, with unverified video footage showing. supposedly shows dozens of bodies lined up for burial.
The violence follows previous brutal attacks by RSF ground forces on the nearby towns of Tamboul and Rufaa, with hundreds of people believed to have been killed amid widespread looting and destruction. wide. Reports suggest civilians have been arrested, communications equipment confiscated and crops burned, in what was once considered the country’s “bread basket.” OHCHR disclose.
As a result of the violence, thousands of families were displaced from Al-Jazirah state.
“All wars are cruel, but The numbers for this one are especially horrifying”, Ms. Pope said. “Indiscriminate attacks are killing civilians, including young children, some of the most needy areas remain completely cut off and without access to humanitarian aid,” she added.
Sexual violence reaches ‘shocking’ levels
Amid escalating violence, a new report by Independent fact-finding mission of the United Nations revealed widespread sexual violence by the RSF, especially in the states of Greater Khartoum, Darfur and Geziera. According to the investigation, these acts constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Authorized investigation agency Human Rights Council reported at least 25 verified cases of sexual violence, including attacks on medical staff and the death of an 11-year-old girl as a result.
“The scale of sexual violence we documented in Sudan is staggering,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, Chairman of the Fact-Finding Mission. “The situation facing vulnerable civilians, especially women and girls of all ages, is alarming and needs to be urgently addressed.”
Brief response
Despite the severity of the crisis, the international community’s response remains severely underfunded, with the UN humanitarian appeal only 52% funded. IOM’s portion is only 20% funded, despite having assisted nearly three million people since the war began.
“Sudan is easily the most neglected crisis in the world today. Ms. Pope warned, calling for immediate international action to prevent further instability in the region.
