The United Nations humanitarian chief stated that six months of conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resulted in the death of up to 9,000 people, forming “one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history.”
Half a year of war has plunged Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian nightmares in recent history. With up to 9,000 people reportedly killed, more than 5.8 million driven from their homes, and 25 million people in need of aid.
“For six months, civilians, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan, have known no respite from bloodshed and terror. Horrific reports of rape and sexual violence continue to emerge, and clashes are increasingly taking place along ethnic lines, particularly in Darfur.” U.N. Undersecretary-General Martin Griffiths said in the statement marking the six-month anniversary of the war.
Basic services are crumbling. More than 70 per cent of healthcare facilities in conflict areas are out of service. The fighting is keeping 19 million children out of school, significantly setting back their education and the country’s future, according to the UN.
“This cannot go on. It is time for parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. It is time for them to honor the commitments they made in Jeddah to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid. It is time for them to recommit to dialogue at the highest levels to end this conflict, once and for all.” Griffiths said.