A highly regarded human rights organization warns that world power intervention may be needed for truce.
The following article was published in the July-August 2024 issue of NewsNotes.
The International Crisis Group reported on June 24 that a “showdown” is unfolding in Sudan’s North Darfur region, where the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has attacked the town of El Fasher. More than a year into Sudan’s civil war between the army and RSF, an estimated eight million people are displaced and 750 thousand are on the brink of famine.
The independent research organization recommends that the UN and United States work urgently to mediate a de-escalation and local truce. “All should support a UN-led initiative to negotiate evacuation corridors for the suffering population in El Fasher and the surrounding camps for the displaced – and insist on immediate cross-border access for UN aid agencies into all areas of Sudan to stave off famine.”
The capital Khartoum and surrounding areas were the first to sink into violence in April 2023 which has expanded into the Darfur region. The El Fasher area of Darfur is home to more than one million civilians, many of whom are already displaced by the conflict and struggling to survive. An escalating battle for the city could lead to mass slaughter and other atrocities. “All sides appear to be either targeting civilians they deem supportive of the enemy or showing scant regard for these people,” said the ICG.
Comboni Missionary Sister Elana Balatti is in South Sudan providing humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing Sudan. She says “They share depressing testimonies about their near-death experiences in Sudan,” and adds, “Others share that they had to leave when living conditions became unbearable and they couldn’t get the basics for survival. Food has become scarce in the market. There is no schooling for their children.”
The ICG also calls for influential Arab and African leaders to press both sides in the conflict to stand down. “All should insist on safe corridors for fleeing civilians, immediate aid access to Darfur’s starving people and a return to national talks,” said the ICG. “With millions of Darfuris edging toward starvation, world powers must act soon,” the ICG said.
Faith in action
Tell Pres. Biden to work for a truce in Sudan and expansion of corridors for humanitarian aid and safe passage for civilians to evacuate Darfur. https://mogc.info/Sudan-Action
Photo of Salma Ibrahim washing kitchenware at her home in Djabel Refugee Camp, Eastern Chad in October 2023. Salma’s family fled Sudan during the War in Darfur. Credit: GPE/Michael Knief/AP via Flickr.