Sudan: Famine Declared in Displacement Camps, Violence Intensifies in Capital

Violence and Humanitarian Crisis in Khartoum

Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have killed at least 50 people in Khartoum over the past week, rescuers said, as fighting with the army for control of the capital intensifies. The Khartoum Emergency Response Room, a network of volunteers coordinating aid across Sudan, described the city as experiencing “tragic conditions” with widespread violations by the RSF and allied militias.

Abductions, Sexual Violence, and Malnutrition

The group reported that about 70 people, including 12 volunteers, had been abducted during the past week, with forced displacement increasing in the capital’s centre, south, and east. Cases of sexual violence have been reported, although the exact numbers remain unclear due to fear and social stigma. Malnutrition has reached “dangerous” levels, resulting in the deaths of seven children since March.

Famine Declared in Displacement Camps and Nuba Mountains

Famine has been declared in three displacement camps in the western region of Darfur as well as parts of the Nuba mountains in the south, according to a UN-backed assessment. The United Nations children’s agency, Unicef, estimates that about 3.2 million children will face malnutrition in Sudan this year.

Escalating Conflict

The war between the RSF and the army, which began in April 2023, has escalated in recent months, with the army seeking to reclaim territory in Khartoum and beyond. RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo appeared in a video address, declaring that his troops “will not leave the Republican Palace”.

Crisis in Khartoum and Beyond

The conflict has killed tens of thousands, uprooted more than 12 million, and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. In Khartoum alone, at least 3.5 million people have been forced from their homes due to violence, while at least 100,000 people face acute famine conditions, according to the United Nations.

Conclusion

The situation in Sudan is dire, with widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. The international community must take action to address this crisis and provide aid to those affected.

FAQs

* What is the current situation in Khartoum?
The city is experiencing widespread violence and human rights violations, with the RSF and allied militias committing atrocities.
* How many people have been killed in the conflict?
Tens of thousands, with the exact number unknown.
* How many people have been displaced in Khartoum?
At least 3.5 million people have been forced from their homes due to violence.
* What is the current state of malnutrition in Sudan?
Malnutrition has reached “dangerous” levels, with 3.2 million children expected to face malnutrition this year.