Sudan Faces Severe Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict
The African Union has labeled the Sudan conflict as the worst humanitarian crisis worldwide, with severe impediments to aid delivery leading to famine threats. Millions are displaced and many children suffer from malnutrition. The AU calls for political dialogue among Sudanese factions to resolve the conflict and restore democracy.
The African Union has declared that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the most severe humanitarian crisis globally. This civil war, which erupted between the Sudanese military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has obstructed aid delivery to a distressed population facing violence and famine threats.
Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chairperson of the AU High Level Panel on Sudan, emphasized that the war has caused significant humanitarian setbacks, stating, “The war has hampered access to humanitarian relief, led to shortage of food and aggravated hunger.” He also highlighted the ongoing abuse of vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly who are deprived of medical aid.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, approximately 12 million individuals have been displaced, with an alarming increase in malnutrition among children. Wilson Almeida Adao, a senior AU child welfare official, reported a 44 percent surge in hospital admissions for malnutrition, marking the treatment of over 431,000 affected children.
Reports of severe violations have emerged, including assaults on schools, the forced enlistment of child soldiers, and restricted humanitarian access. According to Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, RSF-imposed restrictions have complicated the provision of essential assistance to those in dire need.
Chambas maintained that dialogue among Sudanese factions, rather than military conflict, is essential to resolving the crisis. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, reinforced this commitment to foster political discussions aimed at reinstating democratic governance in Sudan. The Sudanese military government recently introduced a framework for a transitional government post-conflict, reflecting their ongoing efforts to stabilize the region.
The situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate under the ongoing conflict, resulting in unprecedented humanitarian challenges. With millions displaced and countless children malnourished, the need for urgent humanitarian relief is critical. The African Union’s emphasis on political dialogue represents a necessary step towards achieving peace and restoring governance. The international community’s involvement remains essential to ensure access to aid and support the affected populations as well as facilitate an inclusive political solution.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
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