The United Nations reports that over one million people have fled the war in Sudan to South Sudan, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis. With significant mortality rates and an overwhelming influx of refugees, South Sudan’s resources are critically strained, requiring urgent international support.
According to the United Nations, over one million individuals have fled the conflict in Sudan, seeking refuge in South Sudan. This alarming statistic highlights the severity of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the civil war that erupted between Sudan’s military and a rival paramilitary group since April 2023. With tens of thousands dead and more than 12 million displaced, the situation remains critical.
The UN data reveals that over 770,000 people have crossed through the Joda border crossing into South Sudan in the last 21 months, with many others finding refuge elsewhere. Most of the refugees are South Sudanese who had previously escaped their own civil war. The UN refugee agency has reported that the need for assistance is dire, as resources in South Sudan become severely limited.
Sanaa Abdalla Omer from the UNHCR stated that, “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic… but they cannot shoulder this massive responsibility alone.” He emphasized the need for additional support for both the displaced populations and the communities accommodating them. The facilities in South Sudan are already overburdened, with two transit centres initially built for fewer than 5,000 people now housing over 16,000.
Violence related to anti-Sudanese sentiments resulted in the deaths of 16 Sudanese nationals in South Sudan, indicating an increase in societal tensions. The crisis in Sudan is characterized by severe internal displacement and the declaration of famine in several regions. The ongoing conflict pits army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo of the Rapid Support Forces.
Both factions are accused of committing war crimes, including targeting civilians and indiscriminate attacks on residential areas. Notably, the RSF faces allegations of ethnic cleansing and systematic sexual violence. Recent studies estimate that over 61,000 people have perished due to the war, exacerbated by disease and starvation, highlighting the devastating impact of this conflict.
The current conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, leading to extensive humanitarian crises marked by widespread violence and tragedy. Two main factions, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, are engaged in intense warfare that has caused significant mortality and displacement among civilians. The influx of refugees into South Sudan illustrates the growing crisis and the desperate conditions faced by the affected populations. As the world’s newest country, South Sudan is already struggling with its own historical issues of civil war, making it increasingly difficult to manage the arrival of new refugees.
The report by the United Nations underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis precipitated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. With over a million individuals displaced into South Sudan, the situation demands urgent global attention and support. Both South Sudanese communities and refugees face overwhelming challenges, necessitating international cooperation to address the human suffering caused by this conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
