After 500 Days of War… A Major Health and Food Crisis Facing Sudan

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500 days after the war broke out in Sudan, the country is now experiencing its worst-ever humanitarian crisis. These are shameful moments for international humanitarian organizations and donors, who, after more than 16 months, have failed to adequately respond to the escalating medical needs in the country. From catastrophic child malnutrition to widespread disease outbreaks, the situation is dire.

• The African Union: The crisis in Sudan threatens the existence of the country and the entire region

• One Year of Sudanese War: Displacement, Fighting, Diseases, and Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

According to Doctors Without Borders, the heavy restrictions imposed by both warring parties have significantly limited the capacity, including ours, to provide aid. The fighting between the Rapid Support Forces militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces, which began in the capital, Khartoum, on April 15, 2023, has spread to multiple parts of the country, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

• How does the fighting in Sudan contribute to the exacerbation of the global displacement crisis?

• The Sudanese crisis continues.. What are the proposed solutions in the current period?

Casualties and Hunger

Between April 2023 and June 2024, the conflict left tens of thousands dead and injured, while creating the world’s largest displacement crisis: more than 10 million people, or one in five Sudanese, have been forced to flee their homes, many facing repeated displacement, according to the UN.

• Pressure from “Kizan” on the Army Leadership to Abstain from Participating in Any Mediation to Resolve the Sudan Crisis

• Struggle between America and Iran in Sudan Raises Fears of Complicating the Forgotten Crisis

With no political solutions in sight, malnutrition is rising amid soaring food prices and a shortage of humanitarian supplies. Beyond the catastrophic situation at the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, Doctors Without Borders’ therapeutic feeding centers in other parts of Darfur, such as Geneina, Nyala, and Rokero, are overflowing with patients. The same applies to the refugee camps where we operate in eastern Chad.

A Futile War

Sudanese journalist Mohamed Al-Tayeb states that after 500 days of the futile war that has raged in Sudan since April 15, this conflict is one of the worst the world has seen since World War I. The violations, the displacement of Sudanese families, the destruction of infrastructure, the complete closure of schools, and the total collapse of the health system are unprecedented.

• From Cairo to New York: Intensive Political Moves to Resolve the Sudanese Crisis

• The Sudan crisis: Battles threaten “World’s Food Basket,” 19 million students out of school

He added that Sudan is going through extreme hardship, facing natural disasters, dam collapses, and floods. Over 309 families have died in the collapse of the Arbaat dam in the Red Sea State, northern Sudan. The specter of hunger threatens half the population, schooling is halted in many areas, and the infrastructure in the capital, Khartoum, has been destroyed. Moreover, all ceasefire initiatives by friendly nations, whether in Jeddah, Djibouti, or Geneva, have been rejected.

• World Food Basket… The Sudan conflict may turn into a UN crisis

• Amid the escalating crisis, South Sudan opens a new camp for those fleeing the conflict in the north

A Tragic Situation

Sudanese political analyst Mohamed Elias says that after 500 days of war in Sudan, the conflict has caused destruction and displacement for over 20 million Sudanese, both within and outside the country. The loss of lives and property is incalculable. Sudan’s situation has become tragic, with famine looming and fear of the unknown gripping the crisis.

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• The Economic Situation Collapses in Sudan… War Plunges Khartoum into Major Crises Khartoum has entered a major crisis 

The Sudanese analyst added that, after 500 days of war, Sudan’s economic losses have exceeded $300 billion. Exports, factories, and the Sudanese currency have come to a halt, exacerbating the famine crisis in many regions and causing ongoing suffering for the Sudanese people.