Sudan continues to face instability as the violence that broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April of this year continues. Despite being in crisis since 2003, due to this recent conflict more than 3.3 million people have been displaced and much of the Sudanese population has been deprived of vital resources.
Sudan was already in a vulnerable state before fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The country had, “ …the second-highest refugee population in Africa …” with a refugee population of one million. The recent conflict in Sudan happened while the country was, “ …experiencing its highest levels of humanitarian need in a decade”.
Since the April tragedy, Sudan has experienced, “ …food, water, medicine, and fuel” shortages, as well as high inflation. Four weeks after the fighting began, about 200,000 refugees left Sudan. Many of these refugees are fleeing to nations including, Central African Republic Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
This instability has affected vulnerable women and children. Even before the April conflict, it was estimated that, “ …more than 3 million women and girls in Sudan were at risk of gender-based violence ….” After the conflict broke out, this number is now estimated to be 4.2 million. Some estimates are higher and the BBC has been placing the number of refugees displaced out of the country thus far by the recent war as more than five million. Women and girls in Sudan also have reduced access to healthcare due to, “Attacks on healthcare facilities, equipment and workers ….” This is especially horrific for pregnant women as they need healthcare providers during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Next Century Foundation urges you to support the Sudanese people in any way that you can. Take any opportunity to learn and speak up about this critical issue. Even though it is a horrific situation, remember that there is always something you can do to support people in need in Sudan.
View the Next Century Foundation’s ORAL statement to the United Nations by Shristi Sharma at the beginning of the recent civil war here.
View the Next Century Foundation’s WRITTEN statement to the United Nations at the beginning of the recent civil war here.
Image by David Peterson from Pixabay
