Amnesty International highlights that foreign weapons, particularly from U.S. allies, are intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Sudan amid a civil war that has led to 13 million displaced and widespread famine. The RSF’s preparation for more assaults and the allegations of war crimes emphasize the urgency for international intervention and expanded sanctions.
Amnesty International has revealed that the ongoing civil war in Sudan, often overlooked as a “forgotten conflict,” is exacerbated by military support and weapon supplies from external allies. The conflict has resulted in the largest humanitarian crisis in the world, displacing 13 million people and causing severe famine conditions across the nation. Since fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with children facing outbreaks of various diseases and the educational system collapsing, leaving 90% of Sudan’s children out of school. The war began following prolonged tensions between the leaders of the armed forces and the RSF, driven by their failed negotiations for military integration. While the United States and international partners have attempted to mediate a peace agreement, progress has been stalled. The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the conflict due to allegations of human rights violations. Recent studies suggest that the death toll, especially in areas such as Khartoum State, has been grossly underreported, with estimates indicating that around 61,000 deaths occurred within just a few months. Alarming reports indicate that the RSF is poised to attack El Fasher, further threatening the already vulnerable civilians in the region. The Zamzam camp, hosting about 500,000 displaced individuals, is under threat of assault, with famine declared in the area and millions at risk without access to proper nutrition. Furthermore, Amnesty International has pointed to external support for the RSF, specifically arms supplies from the UAE and military technology from France, which could facilitate ongoing war crimes. The rights group has called for an expansion of the UN arms embargo to encompass all of Sudan, to curtail military support to the RSF. The environment in Sudan remains volatile, and the humanitarian crisis calls for urgent international attention.
The civil conflict in Sudan has persisted for 19 months, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and food shortages. The war erupted in April 2023 amid failed power-sharing negotiations between Sudanese military leaders. The involvement of foreign allies supplying arms has complicated the situation, contributing to sustained violence and human rights abuses. Recent academic research has highlighted the underreported death toll, while the humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, necessitating urgent international intervention.
In summary, the civil war in Sudan is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but also a complex conflict fueled by the support of international allies providing weapons to both factions. With millions displaced, widespread famine, and diseases wreaking havoc among children, the situation remains dire. As regional tensions rise, particularly with the looming RSF assault on El Fasher, the call for expanded international sanctions and an arms embargo becomes increasingly critical to alleviate the suffering and prevent further atrocities.
Original Source: www.cbsnews.com
