For over a year now, Sudan has been thrown into war, caught in the crossfire between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the conflict started on April 15, 2023, civilians have been enduring nightmarish violence, relentless attacks, and unthinkable abuse from both sides. Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders – MSF) paints a bleak picture of a nation torn apart, with its people paying the ultimate price.
What They Are saying
Sudan’s crisis is rising at a frightening pace, outstripping global attention with its scale and severity. Over 25 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid, including more than 14 million children. The situation is so severe that 17.7 million Sudanese are staring famine in the face, according to warnings from FEWS NET and the Global IPC Group.
War’s devastating impact is widespread and deeply personal. Take Nigeria’s Biafra war, for instance, many Nigerians still bear emotional scars, and countless families never saw their loved ones again. Or the Rwanda Genocide, a sad reminder of humanity’s capacity for senseless violence. When “two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,” as the saying goes. In Sudan, the grass—innocent civilians—suffers immensely.
Why It Matters
The war has decimated Sudan’s health system. MSF’s report reveals a distressing reality: thousands of war-wounded treated in the midst of bombing and shelling that target homes and vital infrastructure. Access to lifesaving care is nearly impossible due to shortages, looting of medical supplies, and relentless attacks on healthcare facilities. The warring factions, SAF and RSF—show a blatant disregard for human life and international law, MSF claims. Unsurprisingly, neither side responded to these accusations.
The conflict’s roots trace back to a failed plan to integrate the army and paramilitary forces, a step towards free elections following the 2019 ousting of dictator Omar al-Bashir. Mediation efforts have struggled, and the death toll is staggering, estimated in the tens of thousands. Refugees and displaced individuals recount horrid tales of forced evictions, looting, arson, and unimaginable violence at the hands of armed groups. Sexual and gender-based violence is rampant but remains largely unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and insufficient protection services.
MSF (Doctors without borders) calls on the combatants to halt attacks on residential areas, ensure safe passage for civilians, and protect infrastructure from further destruction and looting. The organization also demands an end to targeted violence and abuse, including ethnic and sexual violence.
Bottom Line
As the world turns, Sudan’s plight often fades into the background among global protests and conflicts. It begs the question: What exactly is peace? Can we ever achieve a unified, lasting peace?
