The ongoing conflict in North Darfur, Sudan, has pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians to the brink of disaster, with trade routes and supply lines cut off and humanitarian aid delayed or denied. The situation is dire, with reports of famine, cholera outbreaks, and mass killings, all exacerbated by the brutal actions of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). As the international community weighs its response, one thing is clear: this conflict cannot be allowed to continue without urgent action.
The RSF's siege on El Fasher has resulted in a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions. The city is surrounded, with civilians trapped inside or outside the city, cut off from access to basic necessities like food and medicine. Humanitarian organizations have been unable to deliver aid for over a year, and even communal kitchens, which provide critical support to families across Sudan, have had to shut down due to food shortages. The price of food staples is surging, leaving families unable to afford basic items even when they are available.
The situation in North Darfur is not an isolated incident; similar conditions persist in other areas of Sudan, particularly in the Kordofans region, where brutal hostilities have left civilians without access to healthcare or other essential services. The International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor has stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed in Darfur, and it is imperative that all parties to the conflict take immediate action to protect civilians.
Historically, the Sudanese government and rebel groups have made commitments to respect international humanitarian law and human rights, as outlined in the Jeddah Declaration of May 2023. However, these promises remain unfulfilled, and the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate. The RSF's actions are a clear violation of international law, and their allies must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating this crisis.
The international community has a responsibility to intervene and demand that all parties to the conflict respect humanitarian law and protect civilians. We call on the RSF and their allies to halt the siege on El Fasher, grant a humanitarian pause for rapid, safe, and unconditional access to aid, and allow civilians to leave areas of active hostilities on a voluntary basis. We also urge the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to renew their agreement to this humanitarian pause and facilitate the work of humanitarian organizations.
Furthermore, we call on all parties to urgently allow UN-led convoys and sustained UN presence across Sudan's territory, particularly in the Darfur region. This would enable the rapid scale-up of humanitarian assistance to the population in need, including timely delivery of aid and basic needs support across the country.
As the international community weighs its response, it is essential that we prioritize accountability and protection for civilians. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian access must be granted. The fate of hundreds of thousands of people hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to act with urgency and compassion.
"We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur, and it is our duty to intervene and protect those who cannot defend themselves. The international community must demand that all parties to the conflict respect humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians." – Åsmund Aukrust, Minister of International Development of Norway
"The situation in North Darfur is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict when humanitarian needs are ignored. We urge all parties to take immediate action to protect civilians and grant unconditional access to aid." – Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality
The international community must act with urgency and compassion to address this crisis. The fate of hundreds of thousands of people in Darfur hangs in the balance, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that they receive the aid and protection they need.
Future Impact
In the short term (next 6 months), we can expect a continued escalation of violence in Darfur, with further humanitarian crises unfolding unless all parties to the conflict respect international law. The RSF's actions will only exacerbate the situation, and it is imperative that they are held accountable for their role in perpetuating this crisis.
In the long term (5-10 years), the consequences of inaction or inadequate response will be catastrophic. Sudan's population will continue to suffer from the effects of conflict, including poverty, displacement, and malnutrition. The country's economy will also suffer, with the international community failing to provide adequate support for humanitarian efforts.
Call to Reflection
As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize accountability, protection, and compassion in our response to this crisis. We must stand with the people of Sudan and humanitarian organizations who are working tirelessly to assist those in need. Civilians must be protected, and humanitarian access must be granted. The international community has a responsibility to intervene and demand that all parties to the conflict respect international law.
Let us work together to ensure that this crisis is not allowed to continue without urgent action. We owe it to the people of Darfur and to ourselves as human beings who value compassion and justice.