The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning that the number of people displaced by conflict within Sudan could surpass 10 million in the coming days. This escalation marks the world’s most severe internal displacement crisis, with famine and disease exacerbating the dire situation. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix, 9.9 million people are currently displaced across all 18 states in Sudan, a significant increase from the 2.8 million displaced prior to the April 2023 conflict. More than half of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) are women, and over a quarter are children under five.
IOM Director General Amy Pope highlighted the gravity of the situation, likening the displacement to the population of London being forced to flee. She emphasized the compounded threats of crossfire, famine, disease, and gender-based violence. Despite the urgent humanitarian needs, only 19 percent of the requested funds have been delivered. Pope called for unified international efforts to prevent a looming famine, stressing the need for immediate and substantial support.
The conflict, which erupted in mid-April 2023 between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to over 12 million people fleeing their homes. More than 2 million have crossed into neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. The ongoing war has been marked by severe human rights violations, including ethnic violence and rape. Humanitarian access remains severely limited, with the upcoming rainy season expected to worsen conditions.
On the 6th of June 2019, the African Union Peace and Security (PSC) Council suspended the participation of the Republic of Sudan in all AU activities until the effective establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority, as the only way to allow Sudan to exit from its current crisis. The suspension of Sudan followed what PSC termed as the lack of progress towards the establishment of a civilian-led Transitional Authority since its initial meeting following the coup d’etat of 11th of April 2019.
The United Nations’ Inter-Agency Standing Committee has declared the situation catastrophic, particularly highlighting the plight of civilians trapped in North Darfur’s capital, Al Fasher, where essential infrastructure has collapsed and basic necessities have become unaffordable.
