Sudan crisis deepens

Sudan's civil war has displaced 11.6 million people after entering its fourth year, with humanitarian needs surging amid ongoing fighting. (thehill.com) The war pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023 over power-sharing disputes. Both sides control chunks of territory, turning cities like Khartoum into battlegrounds. (refugeesinternational.org) New evidence shows the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues supplying lethal aid to the RSF, including weapons and ammunition shipped via Chad since late 2023. Refugees International and the Conflict Insights Group analyzed flight data and satellite imagery confirming at least 12 cargo flights. (refugeesinternational.org) The UN expressed being "deeply alarmed" by insecurity blocking aid access across Sudan, where famine risks now affect 25 million people. Fragmented delivery leaves millions without food or medicine in RSF-held areas like Darfur. (panapress.com) Recent aid breakthroughs include food distributions reaching 4,500 displaced families in Tawila, North Darfur, despite persistent violence. Local groups delivered sorghum and cooking oil after a monthslong blockade. (darfur24.com) RSF advances in Darfur have sparked ethnic massacres, with photo reports from the frontline showing burned villages and fleeing civilians. Over 2 million remain trapped in camps like Zamzam, facing starvation. (euronews.com) The UAE denies direct arms shipments, claiming any involvement supports humanitarian efforts or regional stability. SAF accuses the RSF of genocide in West Darfur, a charge the RSF rejects as propaganda. (refugeesinternational.org) International donors pledged $2.1 billion in aid last year, but only 28% arrived due to conflict and bureaucracy. The UN warns of a "humanitarian catastrophe" without urgent ceasefires. (thehill.com)