Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
KHARTOUM – More than 150,000 people have been killed and around 12 million displaced as the devastating Sudan civil war continues to plunge the country into chaos. The United Nations has described the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent global intervention.
Read more: A Forgotten War: Sudan
Background of the Sudan Conflict
The war began on April 14, 2023, after a violent power struggle erupted between Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting stemmed from disagreements over the integration of the RSF into the national army — a key part of Sudan’s transition to civilian rule.
The conflict pits General Abdul Fateh Al-Burhan, Sudan’s Army Chief, against his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemeti), the RSF commander. Both leaders blame each other for starting the war and have so far refused to negotiate a peace settlement.
Massive Humanitarian Disaster Unfolding
Since the outbreak of the war, Khartoum and Darfur have witnessed relentless bombardment, widespread looting, and massive displacement. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and World Food Programme (WFP) report severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, leaving millions in dire need of assistance.
Entire communities have been wiped out or displaced, hospitals destroyed, and infrastructure paralyzed, making it one of the worst humanitarian disasters in decades.
Calls for International Ceasefire Mediation
The United Nations, African Union, and international humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access to conflict zones. Analysts warn that without urgent diplomatic action, Sudan could face total economic and social collapse.
Global powers are being urged to intensify peace efforts to prevent further loss of life and stabilize the war-torn nation.
