Sudan on the Brink: Conflict and Famine Plague the Nation

With over half of Sudan's population displaced and facing famine, the ongoing conflict between the military and paramilitary forces has reached a strategic stalemate, leaving the civilians trapped in escalating violence and humanitarian disaster.

In Sudan, a humanitarian crisis unfolds as the ongoing conflict between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devolved into a grim strategic stalemate. Each faction, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as "Hemedti," respectively, attempts to gain the upper hand through new offensives and international alliances, but the toll on the population continues to mount. Displacement and hunger have enveloped the lives of millions; over half of Sudan's 45 million citizens have been forced from their homes, resulting in a growing humanitarian disaster.

The SAF celebrated a supposed victory with the recapture of central Khartoum in March, showcasing their leader walking through the ruins of the Republican Palace. However, this triumph was short-lived as the RSF retaliated with sophisticated drone strikes targeting Port Sudan, the main conduit for humanitarian aid. The RSF’s push into southern regions and collaborations with rebel groups only exacerbate concerns regarding the impending crisis.

As the violence escalates, Famine is spreading, particularly affecting the displaced residents of Zamzam. Human rights organizations have denounced the RSF for atrocities such as massacre and ethnic cleansing, particularly against the Massalit ethnic group in West Darfur. The people of el-Fasher face the imminent threat of reprisals should the Joint Forces be overtaken by RSF.

Civilians who once rallied against former leader Omar al-Bashir now find themselves fragmented, with various factions vying for influence or attempting to remain neutral in a divided political landscape. Amid this chaos, community kitchens and emergency response activities struggle to continue due to a lack of funding, which was exacerbated by cuts from USAID and other donors.

With no clear peace process underway and international diplomatic efforts stalled, the potential for resolution appears dim. The United Nations initially recognized Burhan's military leadership despite his loss of control over the national capital, while Hemedti’s attempts to bolster his credibility with a parallel administration remain unconvincing. Amidst lack of serious negotiation and mounting violence, the war plaguing Sudan is lacking in a clear resolution path, further isolating the country on the global stage.

With humanitarian needs rising, the UN's appeal for aid remains severely underfunded, leaving millions without essential resources. The escalating crisis in Sudan is not only a regional concern but poses a risk of broader instability in the Arab world, underscoring the urgent need for a robust and humane intervention to restore peace and support a long-suffering populace desiring stability and relief.