What's happened
Fighting in Sudan has intensified since April 2023, displacing over 11 million people and causing a severe hunger crisis. Recent clashes in Kordofan and Darfur have led to mass displacement, with thousands fleeing violence and seeking refuge in cities like Kosti. The conflict involves the army and RSF, with civilians caught in the crossfire.
What's behind the headline?
The escalation of Sudan's conflict reveals a strategic shift by the RSF, which has gained ground in key regions like West Kordofan and Darfur, seizing oil fields and city centers. This expansion threatens to deepen the country's fragmentation and prolong the humanitarian crisis. The displacement of nearly 53,000 people from Kordofan underscores the deteriorating security situation, with civilians forced to undertake perilous journeys on foot or by makeshift transport. The recent drone strikes on Kalogi, killing 114, highlight the ongoing violence and the risk to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. The economic toll is evident, with transport costs skyrocketing and aid reaching only a fraction of those in need. The conflict's regional implications are significant, risking destabilization across neighboring countries and complicating international efforts for peace. The current trajectory suggests a prolonged, entrenched civil war that will continue to devastate Sudan's population unless a ceasefire and political solution are achieved. The international community must prioritize diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation and address the urgent humanitarian needs.
What the papers say
Arab News reports on the recent displacement and violence, highlighting the human toll and the strategic advances of the RSF. The article details the mass exodus from Kordofan and Darfur, emphasizing the dangers faced by civilians and the destruction of infrastructure. It also notes the economic strain on cities like Kosti, which are overwhelmed by refugees and displaced persons. The article underscores the ongoing violence, including drone strikes that have killed civilians, and the difficulty in accessing aid. Contrasting perspectives from UN officials and local witnesses reveal the scale of the crisis and the complexity of the conflict, with some emphasizing the military gains of the RSF and others warning of the long-term destabilization of Sudan. The coverage from Arab News provides a detailed, ground-level view of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Sudan.
How we got here
Since April 2023, Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been engaged in a brutal conflict, marked by atrocities and widespread displacement. The fighting has split the country, with the north controlled by the army and the south and Darfur under RSF influence. The war has caused a humanitarian crisis, including famine and mass migration, especially in resource-rich regions like Kordofan.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe