ADDIS ABABA: The ongoing conflict between rival generals in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of almost eight million people, the United Nations reported on Wednesday. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, currently on a visit to Ethiopia, has urgently called for additional support to address the pressing needs of those affected by the protracted war.
The conflict, started in mid-April last year, involves Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Despite diplomatic efforts to end the violence, ceasefires have repeatedly failed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The UN reported that nearly eight million persons have been displaced either internally or have fled to other countries due to the “brutal conflict.” UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi expressed deep concern, stating, “I heard stories of heartbreaking loss of family, friends, homes, and livelihoods.”
Sudan’s Residents Seeking Refugee in Neighboring Countries
Ethiopia, one of six neighboring countries sheltering refugees, has witnessed over 100,000 people seeking refuge, according to UN estimates. In Chad, the number of individuals who have sought shelter since the war began surpassed 500,000 last week. Additionally, an average of 1,500 people are reported to be fleeing into South Sudan daily.
The UN’s appeal for urgent support emphasizes the challenging task of delivering much-needed aid to those most affected by the conflict. “Without further donor support, it will be extremely difficult to deliver much-needed help to those who need it most,” warned Grandi.
The Sudan war, ongoing for over a year, has resulted in at least 13,000 deaths, according to a conservative estimate by the Conflict Location and Event Data project. Both sides involved in the conflict have faced accusations of war crimes, including indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, torture, and arbitrary detention of civilians.
