Sudan conflict escalates, displacing over 10 million people

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April last year, has led to a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, displacing over 10 million people, which is about a fifth of the country's population. The violence is primarily between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in dire conditions for civilians. The United Nations has raised alarms about the potential for widespread famine, with more than 25 million people facing acute hunger, some resorting to eating leaves and dirt to survive. During a recent diplomatic gathering in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern to Sudan's army chief about the escalating violence and its devastating impact on civilians. The U.S. has announced $424 million in new aid to address the crisis, including food assistance sourced from American farmers. This aid aims to alleviate the suffering of those displaced and hungry due to the ongoing conflict. The U.S. ambassador to the UN highlighted the catastrophic conditions in Sudan, urging the international community to take action. She emphasized the need for humanitarian pauses in conflict zones like El-Fasher and Khartoum to allow aid to reach those in desperate need. The situation has been described as 'apocalyptic,' with many facing starvation, disease, and violence. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that up to 150,000 people may have died. The ongoing war and humanitarian crisis have drawn international attention, with calls for a cessation of arms to the warring factions and increased humanitarian efforts to support the affected population.