The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in april 2023, has escalated into the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the African Union. the conflict between the Sudanese military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced 11.3 million people,with nearly 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries such as the central African Republic,Chad,Egypt,Ethiopia,Libya,and South Sudan by October 2024 [1].
sudan was already facing a grave humanitarian crisis before the conflict,with over 15 million people experiencing severe food insecurity and an estimated 3.7 million internally displaced [3]. The ongoing civil war has exacerbated this situation, with the RSF accused by the UN of blocking aid in the stricken darfur region, where they hold moast of the territory. The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-salami, reported that the RSF’s persistent restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles are preventing life-saving assistance from reaching those in desperate need [2].
The African Union (AU) has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, emphasized the need for an all-inclusive solution and a complete political dialog to restore constitutional democracy in Sudan [2]. Additionally, Sudan’s military government has unveiled a road map for a post-war transitional government, which includes plans for elections amid the ongoing civil war [2].
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
- 1]:[Sudansituation-GlobalFocus2025situationoverview[Sudansituation-GlobalFocus2025situationoverview[Sudansituation-GlobalFocus2025situationoverview[Sudansituation-GlobalFocus2025situationoverview
- 2]:[Sudansceneofworld’sworsthumanitariancrisis:AfricanUnion[Sudansceneofworld’sworsthumanitariancrisis:AfricanUnion[Sudansceneofworld’sworsthumanitariancrisis:AfricanUnion[Sudansceneofworld’sworsthumanitariancrisis:AfricanUnion
- 3]: [WhatIstheExtentofSudan’sHumanitarianCrisis?[WhatIstheExtentofSudan’sHumanitarianCrisis?[WhatIstheExtentofSudan’sHumanitarianCrisis?[WhatIstheExtentofSudan’sHumanitarianCrisis?
Sudan’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis: An interview with Expert Dr. Amina Ahmed
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In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, the country is now facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, according to the African Union. The conflict between the Sudanese military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced 11.3 million people, with nearly 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries such as the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan by October 2024.This interview with Dr. Amina Ahmed, a renowned expert on African affairs, sheds light on the severity of the situation and the diplomatic efforts to resolve it.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
Senior Editor (SE): Dr. Ahmed, can you provide an overview of the current displacement situation in Sudan?
Dr. Amina Ahmed (AA): Certainly.The conflict has displaced over 11.3 million people, a staggering number considering the country’s population. Nearly 3 million have fled to neighboring countries, while the rest are internally displaced. The situation is dire, especially for those who have had to leave behind their homes and livelihoods.
SE: How has the ongoing conflict exacerbated the pre-existing humanitarian crisis in Sudan?
AA: Before the conflict, Sudan was already facing severe food insecurity, with over 15 million people affected, and an estimated 3.7 million internally displaced. The ongoing civil war has only worsened this situation.Access to food, healthcare, and other essential services has become increasingly difficult, putting millions at risk.
Aid Restrictions and Challenges
SE: Reports indicate that the RSF is blocking aid in the stricken Darfur region. Can you elaborate on this issue?
AA: Yes, the RSF has been accused by the UN of blocking aid in Darfur, were they hold most of the territory. The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, reported that the RSF’s persistent restrictions and bureaucratic hurdles are preventing life-saving assistance from reaching those in desperate need. This is a major obstacle in providing much-needed aid to the affected population.
Diplomatic Efforts
SE: The African Union has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis. What are the key initiatives being undertaken?
AA: The African Union has emphasized the need for an all-inclusive solution and a complete political dialogue to restore constitutional democracy in Sudan. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, has been instrumental in these efforts. Additionally, Sudan’s military government has unveiled a road map for a post-war transitional government, which includes plans for elections amid the ongoing civil war.
Conclusion
SE: What are the main takeaways from our discussion today?
AA: The main takeaways are the severity of the humanitarian crisis in sudan, the challenges in providing aid due to restrictions by the RSF, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts by the African Union to find a political solution. The situation is complex and requires a concerted effort from the international community to address the immediate needs of the affected population and work towards a long-term resolution.
[1]: Sudan situation – GlobalFocus 2025 situation overview
[2]: Sudan: Scene of world’s worst humanitarian crisis – African Union
[3]: What is the extent of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis?
