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Since April 15, 2023, armed clashes have erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in multiple cities across Sudan, including Khartoum, Al Fasher, Merowe, Nyala, Ag Geneina, and El Obeid among others.
More than one month into the conflict, the total estimation of displaced individuals across Sudan has reached nearly 1.4 million, many of whom are girls and women.
An estimated 2.6 million women and girls are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, including more than 200,000 women who are expected to be pregnant and in need of life-saving, yet basic, medical services. Thousands of them are also prone to emergencies, meaning they need more secondary-level care including caesarian section operations.
In conflict situations like this, women and girls are often the most vulnerable and face danger in more aspects than others: Physiologically, economically, emotionally, and mentally. Millions of women and girls are at risk of experiencing gender-based violence—and the risks to exposure are RAPIDLY increasing.
Due to the clashes, access to essential services—such as healthcare—continues to be interrupted. Across the country, the prices of food, fuel, and other basic goods have reportedly increased significantly. Looting of humanitarian assets and offices has compromised humanitarian action in key locations, while efforts to deliver critical assistance wherever and whenever possible are ongoing.
As members of the Sudanese community, we’re fundraising locally, trying to help those in severe need, and supporting online and offline, if possible. Some of the internationally displaced peoples (IDPs) are hosted by the civic community, providing crucial assistance and services for them in multiple states and alleviating part of the tragedy.
Various efforts to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian supplies and workers are also ongoing as is advocacy to obtain further aid from the international community.
Until this moment, the clashes continue. Challenges are only increasing, including limited accessibility to cash and fuel, internet outages and unstable mobile networks, and electricity supply issues. From destruction to death, it’s heartbreaking to see what’s happening in my hometown and the obstacles we go through on a daily basis just to survive.
My message to the world: We need to unite, act, and stand for Sudan.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is on the ground, providing urgent and immediate support to those searching for safety in Sudan, especially girls and women. Donate to the Sudan Emergency Appeal to provide families forced to flee with water, food, shelter, health care, and relief items.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are the writer’s own.
