Sudan: The Theater of Endless Violence

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been the scene of a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and paramilitary forces (RSF). For the civilians caught in the crossfire, the consequences are dramatic. Many people have been killed or wounded, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is one of the few international NGOs present in Darfur, in the west of the country, helping the affected populations.

A dramatic situation

Despite several truces and ceasefires, gunfire continues to ring out in Sudan, more than two months after the outbreak of conflict between the military and paramilitaries. Millions of civilians find themselves trapped. Forced to confine themselves to their homes, the Sudanese population is unable to access vital services, as civilian infrastructures and markets are damaged and destroyed. 

Every day, newly displaced people flee the fighting, but also the sexual violence and looting that have become legion. As of June 27, more than 2 million people were internally displaced, and over half a million had crossed borders, mainly into Egypt (39.6%), Chad (28%) and southern Sudan (21%).   

According to the UN, the continuing violence has left almost 25 million people – half the population of Sudan – in need of emergency humanitarian aid and protection. This situation is even more dramatic as international NGOs such as SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL are facing major difficulties in providing medical and food assistance to the population, particularly in Darfur. Administrative obstacles (customs procedures, secure corridors, visas) and insecurity on the roads considerably limit their actions.

One of the few international NGOs present in Darfur

Despite the difficulties, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL was the first NGO to re-enter West Darfur, making it one of the few international organizations active in Sudan today. 

In Gedaref, in the east of the country, one of our teams is implementing a project to support families affected by malnutrition through cash distributions and activities to improve  

their food security and livelihoods. SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is currently assessing the best way to support the displaced and the host community, to lighten the burden on families and infrastructures. According to the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), 90% of the displaced population in Gedaref State is currently hosted by the population of Gedaref State.  

In Al-Geneina, the operations which have long been hampered by the general level of violence have resumed. Our teams are carrying out various assessments of the population’s needs. They have begun distribution of hygiene kits (soap, sanitary towels) to Sudanese villages on the road to Al-Geneina. Water is being delivered by tanker truck to the inhabitants of Al-Geneina. Finally, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is repairing manual water pumps and will raise awareness of good hygiene practices by distributing tools and tarpaulins for latrine construction over the coming weeks.