A mass exodus has gripped Sudan’s El Gezira state, with an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people fleeing their homes since December 15th. This surge in displacement comes amid escalating clashes between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army, raising concerns about a looming humanitarian crisis.
The RSF, which has been locked in an eight-month power struggle with the military, has intensified its offensive in El Gezira, aiming to capture the state capital, Wad Madani. Witnesses reported RSF fighters entering the city on Monday, sending tremors through the already volatile region.
Fear and uncertainty have gripped El Gezira’s residents, driving them to seek refuge in safer areas. Many are reportedly fleeing on foot, carrying meager belongings and desperate for basic necessities. Villages close to the conflict zones have witnessed a sharp influx of displaced families, straining local resources and pushing communities to the brink.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued a stark warning on Monday, urging immediate humanitarian assistance for the displaced. “The situation in El Gezira is rapidly deteriorating,” IOM spokesperson Olivia Maiga stated. “Thousands of families are caught in the crossfire, lacking access to food, water, and medical care. We need urgent action to prevent a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.”
Adding to the dire situation, the fighting has disrupted agricultural activities in El Gezira, known as Sudan’s breadbasket. The state is a vital source of food for the nation, and the conflict threatens to exacerbate existing food insecurity issues.
Meanwhile, international calls for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring factions are growing louder. The United Nations and regional bodies are urging both sides to prioritize peace and prevent further suffering for innocent civilians.
The conflict in El Gezira threatens to destabilize Sudan’s fragile transition to democracy, further jeopardizing the peace process that began after the removal of former President Omar al-Bashir in 2019. With the mass displacement and looming humanitarian crisis, the urgent need for a peaceful resolution cannot be overstated.