Unveiling the Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Sudan
From past civil wars to present-day conflicts, Sudan appears caught in a loop, replaying a narrative of power struggles and ethnic tensions. A nation that once sought liberation now grapples with the shackles of internal discord. This is a crisis that transcends borders and beckons the world’s attention, demanding not just witnesses but advocates for the unseen suffering that occurs in the shadows of geopolitical turmoil.
The South Sudanese refugee crisis is a dire humanitarian situation marked by conflict, famine, and displacement. At its core is a civil conflict that erupted in 2013, marking the beginning of a devastating struggle for millions of civilians. The crisis reflects deeply rooted tensions and mistrust among leaders and ethnic groups, dating back to Sudan’s civil war from 1983 to 2005. The conflict during this period was broadly perceived as a north-south struggle, but internal strife among southern rebel commanders in the 1990s nearly thwarted the southern bid for self-determination. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA) leaders, vying for power along ethnic lines, engaged in atrocities, complicating the path to independence. The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) brought a temporary truce, leading to South Sudan’s secession in 2011. However, tensions persisted, exacerbated by disputes over oil exports and border issues. In the backdrop of political manoeuvring for the 2015 elections, ethnic tensions resurfaced, culminating in a major rift within the SPLM. The conflict erupted in December 2013, triggered by a power struggle among senior SPLM members, particularly between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, escalating into violence with roots in historical ethnic divisions. The ongoing crisis highlights the imperative for a comprehensive political solution to rebuild trust among leaders and communities affected by ethnic violence, emphasising the need for sustained international intervention and mediation.
Since April 2023, almost six million have been displaced within Sudan, and over a million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries like Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. Recent fighting in the Darfur region has intensified the crisis, as well as a lack of access to food, shelter, clean drinking water, and other essentials. The surge in displaced populations has overwhelmed essential services, shutting down schools for the past seven months and putting the education and future prospects of millions of Sudanese children at risk. Health conditions are disastrous, with a measles outbreak and high levels of malnutrition leading to the death of over 1,200 children under 5 in White Nile State alone between mid-May and September. The transit centre in Renk, South Sudan, built for 3,000 people, now houses about 20,000, raising concerns about the potential for a cholera outbreak. Neighbouring countries are experiencing an influx of refugees, facing challenges such as lootings, carjackings, and a collapse of the Sudanese banking system, leaving refugees without access to cash for basic needs. Additionally, the upcoming rainy season is expected to worsen the situation, with flooding damaging shelters, healthcare facilities and water sources.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is a paramilitary force in Sudan established in 2013. It originated as a branch of the Sudanese military and is under the command of Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan, commonly known as Hemeti. The RSF grew out of the Janjaweed militia, which gained notoriety for its involvement in the Darfur conflict in the early 2000s. The Janjaweed were accused of committing atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and genocide. In Darfur, the RSF has made significant gains. In the aftermath of the capture of El Geneina and other state capitals, the region is on the brink of falling entirely under RSF control. Reports indicate that over 800 people were killed as RSF and allied fighters overran the army garrison in El Geneina, resulting in homes being razed, United Nations supplies looted, and widespread sexual violence, torture, and killings. The devastating humanitarian situation, with at least 10,400 deaths and nearly five million internally displaced people, calls for urgent attention. However, with international efforts to broker a cease-fire faltering, the crisis continues to escalate, leaving millions in peril and illustrating the failure of the international system.
UK Secretary Priti Patel describes the situation: “There are massacres taking place, people's throats are being slit…villages are burnt out, there's a scorched-earth policy. It is tribal, it is absolutely tribal so on that basis it is genocide.” Genocidal actions result in large-scale displacement as people flee violence and mass atrocities. The affected population in South Sudan is extremely vulnerable, facing urgent needs for shelter, food, and medical assistance. The concept of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) asserts that the international community has a responsibility to intervene when a state is unable or unwilling to protect its population. Humanitarian organisations, despite their efforts, are facing funding challenges, with less than 10% of the UN’s planned budget for Sudan approved. As the South Sudanese people face unimaginable suffering, the imperative for sustained international intervention, mediation, and comprehensive political solutions remains paramount to pave the way for a rebuilt future.
Image courtesy of the UN Regional Information Centre via Flickr, ©2015. Some rights reserved.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the wider St. Andrews Foreign Affairs Review team.
