At a recent meeting of the U.N. Security Council, the United Nations’ political chief raised alarms regarding the ongoing conflict in Sudan, accusing international allies of the country’s military and paramilitary forces of facilitating a significant humanitarian crisis that has resulted in over 24,000 deaths. Rosemary DiCarlo called for an immediate end to the violence, labeling the situation as “unconscionable” and illegal.
Though she refrained from naming specific countries that are allegedly supplying arms and funding to these groups, DiCarlo emphasized their responsibility in urging both the military and the Rapid Support Forces to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The war, which erupted in April 2023, stemmed from deep-rooted tensions between military factions and paramilitary leaders in Sudan, leading to widespread violence that has now spread beyond the capital, Khartoum, particularly affecting regions like Darfur, which suffered significant atrocities in the early 2000s. The U.N. has issued recent warnings about the possibility of famine looming in the country.
According to reports, last month saw the RSF conducting [widespread] attacks throughout Gezira province, resulting in numerous deaths and sexual violence against women and girls. DiCarlo highlighted these brutal assaults, noting that they represent some of the most extreme acts of violence recorded in the past 18 months.
She condemned both the continued attacks on civilians by the RSF and those perpetrated by the Sudanese Armed Forces in the Khartoum area, asserting that it is imperative for both factions to engage in negotiation. However, she indicated that there is a prevailing belief among both sides that victory can be attained through military means, a notion that is being bolstered by external support.
DiCarlo remarked on the escalation of military operations as the rainy season approaches, noting that both parties are reinforcing their ranks and intensifying their assaults, largely fueled by external supplies of weapons. The situation has drawn international scrutiny, with Sudan accusing the United Arab Emirates of providing arms to the RSF, which Emirati officials have denied. Reports have also suggested that the RSF is receiving support from Wagner mercenaries from Russia, alongside military supplies from neighboring regions including Chad, Libya, and South Sudan.
General Abdel Fattah Burhan, who orchestrated a military coup in Sudan in 2021, enjoys close ties with Egypt and its president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Meanwhile, Sudan’s foreign minister recently held discussions in Tehran, hinting at potential arms purchases from Iran.
DiCarlo urged for increased international intervention to safeguard civilians and facilitate peace talks. She mentioned that U.N. special envoy Ramtane Lamamra is prepared to engage further with the conflicting parties and is considering another set of “proximity talks” focused on civilian protection commitments.
Despite international calls to participate, Sudan’s military opted out of proximity talks that took place in Geneva, while the RSF did send representatives. Lamamra is expected to travel to Sudan and the surrounding region soon to engage key players in discussions aimed at restarting negotiations.
Ramesh Rajasingham from the U.N. humanitarian office described the “shocking atrocities” occurring in Gezira as well as the escalating violence in West and North Darfur, which are contributing to heightened displacement. Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023, over 11 million individuals have fled their homes, with approximately 3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Recently, around 58,000 people fled from both Darfur states into Chad, which is currently sheltering over 710,000 refugees.
Rajasingham indicated that hostilities continue to escalate around El Fasher, North Darfur’s capital, the only Darfur capital not controlled by the RSF. In July, experts confirmed famine conditions at the nearby Zamzam displacement camp, where alarming rates of malnutrition were recorded. A recent assessment revealed around 34% of children in that camp suffer from malnutrition, with 10% facing severe cases.
“Deepening food insecurity is now evident in other regions as well, with particularly troubling levels of hunger reported in South Kordofan,” Rajasingham stated, urging the world community to mobilize action immediately. He underscored the seriousness of the current situation, calling for urgent responses to the ongoing crisis.