What is the Situation in Sudan?
In Sudan, a growing number of people are suffering from hunger, violence, and disease. On April 15th of this year, an armed conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This has given rise to an increasingly severe humanitarian crisis. Large parts of the population go hungry as food scarcity is rising, which is leading to increased malnutrition rates, and millions of Sudanese cannot obtain desperately needed medical treatment. Around 25 million people – roughly half the population – now need humanitarian assistance after more than 4 million have been displaced by the fighting. However, aid distribution in Sudan is difficult.
The challenges for humanitarian assistance in Sudan
Sudan faces numerous obstacles to distributing aid, making it one of today’s most challenging humanitarian crises. Firstly, there’s a significant funding gap hindering relief efforts. The UN estimates that 3 billion USD are needed from international donors to address the urgent needs arising from the conflict. However, as of September 29th, only USD 813 million has been received. Moreover, even the resources that are available to aid groups are difficult to distribute for various reasons.
Bureaucratic obstacles have created a cumbersome process for aid workers, such as hurdles in obtaining visas, importing supplies, and moving aid within the country. This is making it hard for many aid agencies to operate in conflict-affected areas.
The absence of secure humanitarian corridors presents another difficulty. Often, aid groups are now required to use armed escorts, even in conflict-free areas. This policy not only endangers relief workers but raises concerns about aid diversion and the loss of humanitarian impartiality, as the escorts must be part of the army. The problem of aid impartiality is worsened by the fact that the RSF and the army have both entrenched themselves in Sudan’s economy, running hundreds of companies. It is tough for aid agencies to navigate who they can collaborate with without indirectly supporting either party.
There have been many cases of looting of humanitarian warehouses and offices, which has caused further problems for relief organizations, that have had to shut down their Khartoum headquarters and relocate to the eastern city of Port Sudan.
Sudanese aid workers are suffering from job losses, with many unable to collect salaries due to a crumbling banking system. Some are losing their jobs as organizations suspend programs in unsafe areas and many simply cannot continue their work because they become one of the 4 million displaced by the conflict.
#MOASforSudan: Combating Malnutrition and Providing Lifesaving Medical Aid
Despite the immense challenges, it is imperative that humanitarian efforts persist in Sudan. The population is in dire need, and turning away is not an option. Apart from staying persistent, engaging with, and supporting local organizations, including those better equipped to operate in conflict areas is crucial. These organizations have valuable insights and connections within their communities. Collaboration in general is key. Working closely with experienced partners can help navigate the complex humanitarian landscape effectively. International donors need to step up support for the organizations best suited to operate in conflict hotspots.
In response to the growing needs of the Sudanese population, MOAS, in collaboration with our partners, is shipping therapeutic and supplementary food to be distributed among the vulnerable population in Sudan, particularly children, in order to contribute to the fight against malnutrition. MOAS is also shipping lifesaving medical supplies to where they are most needed. We are working with experienced partners to ensure the smooth delivery and safe distribution of these shipments to the communities in dire need.
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenges, we are determined to continue supporting the vulnerable people in Sudan who desperately need humanitarian assistance. Your support can make a meaningful difference in alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese population. Please consider contributing to our efforts with a donation. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need.
If you are interested in the work of MOAS and our partners, please follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter and share our content. You can also reach out to us at any time via [email protected]. If you want to support our operations, please give what you can at www.moas.eu/donate.
