Civil war in Sudan claims over 61,000 lives amid escalating violence

The ongoing civil war in Sudan has worsened dramatically over the past 14 months, leading to an alarming rise in violence and suffering. Research by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine indicates that the conflict has already claimed more than 61,000 lives since April 2023, a figure that significantly exceeds the United Nations' estimates. In addition to these tragic fatalities, an estimated 11 million people have been displaced, which accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s population, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis. Reports of widespread human rights abuses, including indiscriminate killings, sexual assaults, and ethnic cleansing, have become increasingly common as the conflict continues unabated. The violence has particularly intensified in Khartoum state, where rebel militias have engaged in brutal attacks against civilians. The Sudanese Armed Forces have attempted to reclaim territory, leading to catastrophic airstrikes in civilian areas. Large numbers of casualties have resulted from these military actions, with at least 73 civilians killed and hundreds more injured in just a single incident involving airstrikes on towns near the capital. Such actions have drawn international condemnation and highlighted the dire situation for many residents who face both direct violence and the overarching threat of starvation and disease. Access to humanitarian aid is critical, yet reports indicate that nearly 25 million people in Sudan require urgent assistance, with approximately 750,000 individuals teetering on the brink of famine. Cholera outbreaks further exacerbate the suffering, with over 800 people reported to have died from the disease in recent months. International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, have described the situation as one of the worst civilian protection crises seen in decades. Despite international efforts to mediate a ceasefire and protect the civilian population, opportunities for negotiations appear to be dwindling. The Sudanese government, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al Burhan, has characterized the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who oppose the government and have been accused of war crimes, as a terrorist militia. This entrenched conflict between the army and the RSF has created a complex environment where humanitarian needs are immense, yet the political and military responses remain deeply fractured and ineffective.