The United Nations migration agency has reported that the number of internally displaced people in Sudan has surpassed 10 million, with approximately a quarter of the population forced to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict. Additionally, more than 2 million individuals have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt.
Among the internally displaced are 2.8 million individuals who were already displaced prior to the current conflict. The situation has been described as akin to displacing a city the size of London, with the added dangers of crossfire, famine, disease, and severe ethnic and gender-based violence.
The conflict in Sudan escalated in April last year, stemming from heightened tensions between military leaders and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The violence has had devastating consequences, resulting in the loss of over 14,000 lives and leaving thousands more injured. The country now teeters on the brink of widespread famine.
Recent warnings from the U.N. food agency have highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Sudan, particularly in the troubled region of Darfur. Without immediate intervention, there is a significant risk of mass starvation and fatalities.
The International Organization for Migration has called for a unified global response to address the crisis. Despite their efforts, only a fraction of the required funds have been received, hindering the organization's ability to provide essential support to those affected.
With the combined total of refugees and internally displaced individuals exceeding a quarter of Sudan's population of 47 million, the country is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian emergency.
For more updates on migration issues, visit AP's coverage of migration issues.
