United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk stated that the ongoing war in Sudan has subjected its people to "horror and hell," amid widespread food insecurity and displacement. Turk made the statement during his first visit to Sudan since the conflict began in April 2023. He condemned the diversion of funds towards the purchase of advanced weaponry, particularly drones, instead of addressing the population's suffering.
The UN has issued repeated warnings regarding the involvement of foreign actors in Sudan's civil war. The United Arab Emirates has faced accusations of providing weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, erupting from tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The power struggle between the two generals, who jointly orchestrated a military coup in 2021, has plunged Sudan into a humanitarian crisis.
The war has exacerbated existing challenges in Sudan, a nation already grappling with poverty, political instability, and the impacts of climate change. Sudan's history has been marked by multiple civil wars, military coups, and periods of authoritarian rule, hindering its progress towards democratic governance and economic development. The current conflict has further disrupted agricultural production, trade, and essential services, pushing millions into food insecurity and displacement.
The UN estimates that millions of Sudanese people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt, are struggling to accommodate the influx of refugees fleeing the violence. International organizations and aid agencies are working to provide food, water, shelter, and medical care to those affected by the conflict, but access to many areas remains restricted due to security concerns.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations between the warring parties. The African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and various countries have been involved in mediation efforts, but so far, these initiatives have failed to produce a lasting resolution. The conflict continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and has the potential to further destabilize the Horn of Africa.
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