Sudan on Brink of Collapse as Conflict Enters Second Year

One year after the outbreak of war between Sudan's armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the conflict has killed at least 16,000 people, displaced nearly a fifth of the country's 50 million population, and left Sudan on the brink of famine and collapse.

The UN Security Council has expressed deep concern over an imminent offensive by the RSF and their allied militias against El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, which is sheltering hundreds of thousands of people who have fled violence elsewhere.

The council has called on both sides to end the build-up of military forces around El Fasher, de-escalate the situation, and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. The UN Secretary-General has also warned against an attack on El Fasher, a critical UN humanitarian hub.

"The Security Council has urged all UN member states to refrain from external interference and support efforts for a durable peace, while reminding all parties to adhere to their obligations concerning the arms embargo," the council stated.

The fighting has intensified in recent weeks, forcibly displacing an estimated 40,000 people. The UN has warned that some 800,000 people in El Fasher are in "extreme and immediate danger as the violence advances. The lack of humanitarian aid in North Darfur has pushed the state toward a famine, with one child dying of starvation every two hours.

Why this matters: The escalating conflict in Sudan threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis. The international community must take urgent action to prevent widespread death and a catastrophic hunger crisis in the country.

The African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on the belligerents to cease fighting, return to the local truce in El Fasher, begin the implementation of the May 2023 Jeddah ceasefire agreement, and unconditionally resume a new round of talks to achieve a lasting and comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

"The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has also expressed concern that the maneuvering of opposing armed forces in western Sudan is raising tensions, blocking aid to thousands of people, and creating a horrifying situation for civilians," Mahamat stated.

Key Takeaways

• Conflict in Sudan has killed 16,000, displaced 10M, and threatens famine and collapse.
• UN warns of imminent RSF offensive on El Fasher, a critical humanitarian hub, putting 800K at risk.
• Lack of aid in North Darfur has led to child starvation, with one death every 2 hours.
• AU calls for ceasefire, Jeddah agreement implementation, and new talks to end hostilities.
• Maneuvering of armed forces blocks aid, raising tensions and creating a dire situation for civilians.