Sudan war deepens

Sudan’s war is entering a third year with hunger spreading faster than aid can reach it. Millions are now surviving on one meal a day, according to a report released Monday by five aid groups. (actionagainsthunger.org) United Nations officials said on April 10 that about 14 million people have been displaced since fighting began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The same briefing said 21 million people are facing acute food insecurity, including 6.3 million in emergency conditions. (news.un.org) The new aid group report said families are crossing active front lines to farm, trade, or buy food, and many households are reducing meals to one a day. The report was issued by Action Against Hunger, CARE International, the International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and the Norwegian Refugee Council. (actionagainsthunger.org) The war began on April 15, 2023, after a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, exploded into open fighting in Khartoum. The conflict then spread into Darfur, Kordofan, Gezira and other regions, breaking supply routes and pushing civilians out of their homes. (news.un.org) Aid agencies now describe Sudan as the world’s largest displacement crisis, and the hunger emergency is moving with it across borders. The Norwegian Refugee Council said more than 9 million people are displaced inside Sudan and more than 3.5 million have fled to neighboring countries, while 28.9 million people across Sudan face acute hunger. (nrc.no) The health system is collapsing at the same time. United Nations agencies said attacks on health facilities continue and millions remain without basic care as cholera, measles and malaria risks rise in overcrowded camps and conflict zones. (ungeneva.org) Diplomatic efforts are shifting, at least in format. Former prime minister Abdalla Hamdok said a Berlin ministerial set for April 15 will, for the first time, include a structured civilian forum focused on humanitarian access and civilian protection. (europesays.com) Human rights groups are pressing donors to use that meeting to raise funding and push both warring sides to allow aid through. Amnesty International said on April 10 that governments attending the Berlin conference should press for unhindered humanitarian access and support healthcare for civilians, including survivors of sexual violence. (amnesty.org) The Sudanese government has denied famine in some areas, while the Rapid Support Forces have denied responsibility for conditions in territory they control. But the war’s third anniversary arrives with millions displaced, millions hungry, and relief groups warning that access to food now depends on crossing battle lines alive. (bdnews24.com)