…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Sudan is on the brink of another civil war triggered by a clash between two generals:
General Abdelfatah El-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Armed Forces, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict, currently unfolding in Khartoum, has led to a widespread humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands of people to flee into neighboring countries.
Cristiano d’Orsi, an expert on international law and refugee issues, shares his concerns about the situation and suggests necessary actions to address them.
Concerns with the Refugee Situation:
The situation in Sudan is particularly alarming due to the large number of refugees seeking refuge.
While the conflict’s epicenter is in Khartoum, it has spread across the country.
Already, more than 100,000 people have arrived in neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan.
Contingency plans are being made to accommodate approximately 860,000 refugees.
As an expert on legal protection for asylum-seekers, refugees, and migrants, d’Orsi is concerned about the well-being of these vulnerable groups.
Analysis and Commentary:
The refugee crisis in Sudan is compounded by the fact that Sudan had already been hosting 1.1 million refugees, making it one of the largest refugee populations in Africa.
The majority of these refugees were from South Sudan, comprising over 70% (800,000), followed by 126,000 Eritrean refugees (11%).
It is crucial to ensure their safety and protection as they cannot be returned to a conflict-ridden situation.
Additionally, there are reports of Eritrean refugees who had previously escaped military service and fled to Sudan being detained upon their return.
These factors highlight the urgency of addressing the refugee situation.
Challenges Facing Aid Efforts:
With Khartoum under attack, aid efforts to support refugees and the local population require a new operational hub.
Port Sudan, located on the Red Sea, has emerged as a hub for evacuations and is likely to become a base for UN and aid organizations.
However, the current insecurity poses significant hurdles in delivering aid to those in need.
Depending on the conflict’s progression, aid may need to be transported across front lines or national borders.
Moreover, last year, Sudan’s aid groups received only half of the requested funding of nearly US$2 billion, indicating the need for increased international support.
Analysis and Commentary:
The crisis in Sudan places immense pressure on the international community to provide additional funding.
UNHCR alone requires at least US$445 million to support the displaced until October 2023.
However, the timeline for donor funding remains uncertain.
In the meantime, frontline communities and mutual aid networks are stepping in as first responders, providing support to displaced families and coordinating relief efforts.
Increased funding and timely support are essential to effectively address the crisis.
International Response:
Several international entities, including the United Nations, European Union, and some individual countries, have taken action in response to the crisis.
The African Union has condemned the violence and called for a humanitarian ceasefire.
It has also pledged to coordinate international efforts in Sudan.
The UNHCR is leading a regional refugee emergency response, while organizations like the International Medical Corps and UNICEF are providing crucial support to hospitals and internally displaced persons.
The European Union has allocated immediate relief funds, and the Arab League is holding emergency meetings to find a solution to the clashes.
Analysis and Commentary:
While there has been some international response, more coordinated efforts are needed.
The involvement of various organizations and countries demonstrates recognition of the urgency and severity of the situation.
However, to effectively address the crisis, a comprehensive and collaborative approach is necessary.