The United States has announced $424 million in new aid for Sudan. The aid is aimed at helping displaced people and those suffering from hunger in the war-torn country. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the United Nations, stressed the urgent need for global action to protect civilians. She called on the international community to explore all possible options.
Ongoing Crisis in Sudan
Thomas-Greenfield described the war in Sudan as “horrific and shaming for the whole world.” The conflict has raged for over a year, plunging the country into chaos. Thousands have died, and millions more are displaced and suffering from hunger. She urged the warring parties to agree to a humanitarian pause. This would allow much-needed aid to reach civilians and give citizens a chance to escape the violence.
Children Dying in Refugee Camps
The situation in Sudan is especially dire in the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur. According to Thomas-Greenfield, children in the camp are dying at a shocking rate. She reported that a child dies every two hours due to starvation and lack of medical care. She expressed deep shame that such a humanitarian catastrophe is occurring under the global community’s watch.
The War Between Rival Military Forces in Sudan
Sudan’s war began as a struggle between two rival factions of the military regime. The Sudanese Armed Forces, loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, are fighting against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The UN’s top relief official, Joyce Msuya, emphasised the suffering endured by the Sudanese people over the past 17 months. She demanded that the RSF’s attack on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, be stopped right away.
Weapons and External Forces
While Thomas-Greenfield focused on the humanitarian crisis, she avoided addressing the external forces fueling the conflict. There have been rumours circulating that the RSF is receiving armaments from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to estimates from the World Health Organization, at least 20,000 people have died in the conflict. However, US envoy Tom Perriello suggests the death toll may be much higher, possibly reaching 150,000.
International Responsibility towards Sudan
The United Nations has drafted a report on civilian protection in Sudan, but it has yet to be made public. The report’s recommendations must be implemented and monitored by the UN Security Council, according to US officials.
The UK, which leads efforts on Sudan and civilian protection, bears a special responsibility to ensure that this happens. Critics say the international community has not done enough to address the crisis.
Concerns from Aid Organisations
Katy Crosby, from the NGO Mercy Corps, expressed frustration over the lack of progress. She noted that discussions at the UN seem to repeat the same concerns without addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Crosby welcomed the US’s additional funding but criticized other countries for not fulfilling their promises. She also questioned the feasibility of setting up civilian-protected areas in Sudan, given the widespread violence.
Lack of Global Response
With millions of people in danger, Sudan continues to be the largest humanitarian crisis in the world. While the US has stepped up with more funding, many nations have not followed through on their aid commitments.
Crosby said she hopes US President Joe Biden urged the UAE’s leaders to stop their involvement in the conflict during their recent meeting. With millions of people in danger, Sudan continues to be the largest humanitarian crisis in the world.
This crisis has left millions of Sudanese people in need of urgent aid, with children and other vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of the suffering. As the conflict drags on, the world watches as the situation worsens.