Devastating Impact of Sudan’s Conflict: Deaths, Displacement, and Starvation

Khartoum, Sudan, is engulfed in chaos from a prolonged conflict between the army and RSF. As bodies are discovered in mass graves, the city faces a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced and suffering from starvation. Despite some recent territorial advances, the ongoing violence exacerbates food insecurity. Community kitchens are vital but face immense challenges in providing for the needs of the population.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, has resulted in devastating consequences, highlighted by gruesome discoveries of bodies in a sewage pit. Red Crescent workers reported retrieving a bloated body, and forensic experts indicated that many victims had been shot or beaten before being disposed of in this clandestine manner. The area, significantly ravaged, has seen over 3.5 million residents flee, with a substantial portion unable to escape the violence.

Since April 2023, hostilities have flared between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The United Nations estimates that the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and affected over 12 million individuals, with many now living in dire conditions. Despite recent territorial gains by the army, Daglo remains steadfast, asserting that his forces will not withdraw from the capital.

Travelers on military escorts through Khartoum’s surrounding areas note widespread destruction—abandoned shops, crumbling infrastructure, and the remnants of a community in distress. Hospitals and schools have ceased functioning, and mass graves have been uncovered, intensifying the trauma among civilians who still face the daily horrors of war.

The ongoing conflict has exacerbated starvation, with civilians struggling to survive amid shortages of electricity, clean water, and food. Community kitchens have emerged as essential lifelines for those in need, facilitating the preparation of meals despite overwhelming hardships. The situation remains critical, as humanitarian efforts face obstacles due to gang violence and economic instability, leading to severe food insecurity, especially within displacement camps. Reports indicate famine has been declared in several regions, with many in Khartoum currently at risk of starvation.

The situation in Khartoum is dire, with ongoing conflict leading to untold suffering and loss of life. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, as displacement and starvation rates climb. Despite some improvements in aid access and community support systems, the long-term effects of this war pose a significant threat to the stability and well-being of millions of Sudanese citizens.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr