Millions at risk of starvation in Sudan's forgotten crisis

International pressure is desperately needed to halt the world’s largest, but ignored, humanitarian crisis, writes Seán Farrell

Displaced women and children from El Fasher at a camp where they sought refuge from fighting between government forces and the RSF, in Tawila, Darfur region, Sudan. Picture: AP

Sudan, once known for its ancient pyramids and rich culture, now faces the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today. One of staggering proportions, it is often referred to as a forgotten crisis but it is now rather one that is conveniently ignored among the many that proliferate around the world.

We have witnessed this crisis unfold from an opportunity for democratic reform to a battle for power with little regard for those in its path. This brutal conflict has raged for over two years, with reports of genocide and a man-made famine as 25m people, half the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 12m people have been displaced.

Armed and supported by Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, China, Serbia (by sale of arms to UAE), Türkiye, and Yemen, the warring parties’ vicious struggle for power and resources, which began between two generals, continues and spreads unabated throughout the country.

After the recent fall of El Fasher, and the seizure of all five capitals of Darfur under the paramilitary rapid support forces (RSF), the Kordofan States are likely to become the next battlefield or frontline.

The Kordofan States hold strategic importance for territorial control in the current clashes and shifting frontlines between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) which currently holds 60% of Sudan’s territory and the RSF.

South Kordofan is silently sliding into another of Sudan’s most desperate and least visible crises.

 South Kordofan has become one of the most volatile theatres of Sudan’s war, its strategic position at the crossroads of Darfur, North Kordofan, and South Sudan making it central to the contest for territorial control

Kadugli and Dilling are now effectively sealed off, with food systems inside the cities on the verge of collapse. The IPC (food security assessment) has recently declared famine in Kadugli and famine-like situations in other parts of South Kordofan.

Both parties to the conflict, the SAF and RSF, have consolidated near total control over food supplies in their areas of control. For civilians, siege conditions are unlikely to ease as the contest for South Kordofan intensifies.

International engagement has so far been minimal, constrained by isolation, poor information flows, and the absence of local organisations working on the ground. Trócaire is one of the few agencies with access to partners in South Kordofan who are working in extremely dangerous conditions.

The situation is deteriorating by the day as the region is already hosting more than 1.2m internally displaced persons from Darfur and other areas of Kordofan.

This is a genocide and a man-made famine and, as is so often the case, it is the most vulnerable who suffer most — children and women are uniquely and disproportionately affected

Sexual violence has been weaponised by the warring parties and the bodies of women and girls used as battlefields. Children of all ages are traumatised, having experienced and witnessed violence, displacement, and hunger. Almost four million children are suffering from acute malnutrition, and more than two million babies born during the conflict are at risk from the decimated healthcare system.

We have witnessed a surge in demand for malnutrition treatment and have been scaling up our support, but more is needed. Our healthcare services and centres are operating at capacity, but the available resources are being outstripped by the huge level of needs. The deaths of 23 children in the Kordofan region in a month underscores the deteriorating humanitarian situation where famine is spreading.

Trócaire appeal

Trócaire is appealing to political leaders to take notice and give visibility to the crisis in Sudan. We are asking them to intervene to bring about an end to this violence. We ask for respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law. There needs to be sanctions on the parties to the conflict to bring them to the negotiating table, a halt to the flow of arms, respect for the rule of law including the protection of the civilian population, unfettered humanitarian access, and support for Sudanese civil society to continue to lead and drive the humanitarian response.

Yesterday, the Dáil heard statements on Sudan. We welcome the ongoing work of the Government in raising the issue of the crisis in Sudan through EU mechanisms and recently at the Human Rights Council. International pressure is desperately needed, and we must all work for an end to the flow of arms, protection of civilians, unfettered humanitarian access, and support for Sudanese civil society. International humanitarian law needs to be upheld. Lives depend on it.

• Seán Farrell is chief executive of Trócaire