The UN Security Council Condemns Growing Violence in Sudan
The UN Security Council has expressed “alarm” at the escalating violence in war-torn Sudan. This comes after a recent report revealed that seven million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict. In a joint statement, the Council strongly condemned attacks on civilians and the spread of the conflict into areas hosting large populations of internally displaced persons, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Worsening Humanitarian Situation
The Security Council members are deeply concerned about the spreading violence and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. In addition to the seven million internally displaced people, another 1.5 million have fled into neighboring countries. The situation is dire and requires urgent attention.
City of Wad Madani Under Attack
Since the outbreak of fighting on April 15 between army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former deputy, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the city of Wad Madani has become a haven for thousands of displaced people. Located 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of Khartoum, it offered temporary refuge during the conflict. However, the Security Council reports that fighting has now spread to Wad Madani, forcing refugees to flee once again.
Large-Scale Displacement
According to the International Organization for Migration, up to 300,000 people have fled Wad Madani in Al-Jazira state in a new wave of large-scale displacement. This is a distressing development that highlights the urgent need for intervention and support for those affected by the conflict.
Chaos and Fear
As rival security forces battle for control of Wad Madani’s strongpoints, shopkeepers have been forced to board up their stores to protect them from looters. Women have also disappeared from the streets out of fear of sexual violence. The situation is chaotic and dangerous for the civilian population.
Calls for Humanitarian Access and Assistance
The Security Council has called on the warring parties to allow for rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan. This is crucial to ensure that aid reaches those in need, especially in areas affected by the conflict. The Council has also condemned the attack on a convoy belonging to the International Committee of the Red Cross on December 10 and called for the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to Sudan.
Human Cost of the Conflict
The war between the army and the RSF has had devastating consequences, with a death toll of 12,190 people according to conservative estimates by the Armed Conflict Locations and Events Data project. The conflict has caused immense suffering and displacement, leaving millions of people in desperate need of assistance.
Conclusion
The escalating violence in Sudan is a cause for great concern. The UN Security Council’s condemnation of attacks on civilians and the spread of the conflict into areas hosting vulnerable populations highlights the urgent need for intervention and support. The international community must work together to ensure rapid and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan and provide the necessary assistance to those affected by the conflict. Only through collective efforts can we hope to alleviate the suffering and bring about lasting peace in Sudan.