Since April, more than 400 people have died as fighting escalates between two rival factions within Sudan. Due to its geopolitical significance, the world is closely following this unfolding tragedy.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is actively providing aid in areas affected by conflicts. They assist hospitals and health facilities by providing equipment and supplies; improving access to clean water sources; providing emergency aid assistance; as well as offering shelter to displaced people.
Impact on Civilians
As violence escalated in Sudan over the weekend, world powers quickly moved to evacuate diplomats and other citizens residing there by airlift. European and Middle Eastern military aircraft arrived throughout Sunday’s daylight hours as well as overnight to transport these individuals out safely.
But evacuations could only take place as long as a ceasefire was observed, with both sides accusing each other of trying to block their passage.
Thousands of people, particularly from Khartoum and other cities, have been forced to flee their homes. Now seeking asylum in Egypt or Chad where a humanitarian disaster has arisen.
Conflict can have serious repercussions for civilians in daily life and poses serious threats to humanitarian aid workers. Not only may it exacerbate existing needs but may also bring new ones, including food insecurity or disease outbreak.
Civilians are frequently the victims of violence during war or conflicts. Attackers or their own actions become targets and harm can occur through loss of livelihood, trauma and deprivation of resources that could otherwise provide stability.
Efforts to Provide Assistance
As Fighting Rages on in Khartoum, hundreds are fleeing Sudan for safety. International aid organizations are doing all they can to provide safe passage and ensure their wellbeing; including airlifting a number of Dutch citizens from Khartoum by military aircraft.
Additionally, the United States is providing support for evacuation efforts from Sudan. At present, the Netherlands has conducted seven evacuation flights, transporting approximately 160 Dutch nationals out of danger.
Although these efforts are being made, the situation remains highly volatile, with humanitarian workers still under attack and restricted from leaving their homes. The United Nations and international community must do everything in their power to assist those in need; while all parties involved must respect civilians and humanitarian infrastructure while providing relief operations and protecting medical staff and facilities; in addition to finding lasting solutions that address all affected parties’ needs.
Challenges Facing Efforts to Address the Crisis
An increased surge of cases could easily overwhelm already stretched healthcare systems and prevent them from expanding interventions and taking preventative measures effectively.
An epidemic could prove particularly costly for developing countries as its effects spread globally, particularly the cost of implementing policy measures to minimise disruption – such as closing schools and restricting work – is more likely to fall on those living in poor nations than on advanced ones.
This will only exacerbate existing inequality and strain vulnerable countries further, particularly those with limited fiscal space. This burden will weigh down already weak economies further and hinder progress towards eliminating poverty.
Preventing Further Violence
As fighting between rival generals in Sudan enters its third week, efforts are being undertaken to defuse further violence. Outreach workers in neighborhoods and hospitals where shooting victims are recovering have been deployed to defuse tensions while police presence serves to warn high-risk individuals that their safety will be monitored.
New York City public health researchers and police officers have joined forces to build a more responsive and accountable city, creating strategies to safeguard people against violence while creating an atmosphere where everyone feels secure.
United States and British authorities, after successfully extracting over 300 nondiplomats from Khartoum on four flights on Sunday, are planning to assist private Americans who want to leave Sudan themselves. Ships have been dispatched towards Red Sea ports while troops may also be sent there in order to assist evacuation efforts, according to U.S. officials with knowledge of operations.
