CAIRO — Over the past year, the conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of over 14 million individuals, accounting for approximately 30% of the country’s entire population, marking it as the most significant displacement crisis globally this year, according to a report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
As reported by Amy Pope, the director-general of the IOM, during a briefing held in Port Sudan, approximately 11 million people remain internally displaced, while an additional 3.1 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The number of displaced individuals has risen by 200,000 since September.
Pope emphasized that more than half of those affected are women, and over a quarter are children under the age of five. The humanitarian crisis is escalating to alarming levels as she pointed out, “the scale of the displacement and the humanitarian needs are growing every day,” highlighting that now half the population requires urgent assistance without access to vital necessities such as shelter, clean water, or healthcare.
The lack of resources has contributed to a rapid spread of diseases, with approximately one in two Sudanese citizens struggling to secure enough food to survive. In certain areas, particularly North Darfur, famine-like conditions have emerged.
This week, the United Nations reported that close to 25 million individuals are in need of humanitarian aid, with over 750,000 enduring “catastrophic” levels of food insecurity.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 due to escalating tensions between the Sudanese military and the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since the outbreak of violence, more than 24,000 people have died, based on data provided by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, which monitors the situation. Many atrocities, including mass rapes and ethnic cleansing, have been reported.
Recently, violent confrontations intensified in central-eastern Sudan, leading to the death of 124 individuals in incidents involving RSF fighters. The United Nations has reported cases of civilians being shot, women and girls subjected to sexual abuse, and properties being looted. An escalation in fighting within Gezeira province resulted in the displacement of over 46,000 people, further compounding the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Additionally, summer flooding in Sudan’s eastern Red Sea state has contributed to further displacements, exacerbating an already dire situation for countless families seeking safety and basic sustenance.