Conflict Has Turned Parts of Sudan ‘Into a Hellscape,’ Security Council Hears: A Deep Dive into the Humanitarian Catastrophe
New York, NY – February 26, 2025 (12:00 ET) – The United Nations Security Council convened today to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, where ten months of relentless fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has transformed vast swathes of the country into what one official described as a “hellscape.” The briefing painted a grim picture of widespread violence, displacement, starvation, and systematic violations of human rights, prompting urgent calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access.
The Security Council Briefing: Stark Realities Unveiled
The briefing, delivered by UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths, detailed the catastrophic impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Key points included:
- Unprecedented Displacement: Over 10 million people have been internally displaced, making it the largest displacement crisis globally. Millions more have fled to neighboring countries, placing immense strain on already fragile resources and communities in Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Egypt.
- Imminent Famine: Widespread food insecurity threatens to push millions into famine. Disrupted agricultural production, blocked supply routes, and looting have decimated food stocks. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that over 18 million people are facing acute hunger, with children being particularly vulnerable.
- Collapse of Healthcare: The health system has all but collapsed, with hospitals looted, destroyed, or operating with severely limited supplies and personnel. Outbreaks of diseases like cholera, measles, and malaria are spreading rapidly, exacerbated by poor sanitation and overcrowding in displacement camps.
- Systematic Violence and Human Rights Abuses: Both the SAF and the RSF have been accused of committing serious human rights abuses, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, and looting of humanitarian aid. The conflict has also fueled ethnic tensions and targeted violence against specific communities.
- Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid: Access to affected populations remains severely restricted due to ongoing fighting, bureaucratic obstacles, and deliberate obstruction by both sides. Aid workers have been targeted, and humanitarian convoys have been repeatedly looted, hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance.
Beyond the Briefing: Deeper Context and Implications
The current conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2024, shattering a fragile transition towards civilian rule following the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. The power struggle between SAF Commander General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF Commander General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, quickly escalated into a full-blown civil war.
Several factors have contributed to the conflict’s intensity and duration:
- International Involvement: External actors have been accused of fueling the conflict by providing arms and support to either the SAF or the RSF. Regional rivalries and geopolitical interests have further complicated efforts to mediate a peaceful resolution.
- Ethnic Divisions: The RSF draws heavily from marginalized communities in Darfur and other regions, and the conflict has exacerbated existing ethnic tensions and grievances.
- Economic Hardship: Sudan’s struggling economy has been further devastated by the conflict, exacerbating poverty and unemployment, and contributing to instability.
The Road Ahead: Urgent Action Needed
The Security Council briefing underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the crisis in Sudan. Key priorities include:
- Immediate Ceasefire: The Security Council must exert maximum pressure on the SAF and the RSF to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. This should be accompanied by a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance.
- Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: All parties must allow for the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to all those in need. Humanitarian corridors should be established and protected.
- Protection of Civilians: All parties must take steps to protect civilians from violence and abuse. This includes adhering to international humanitarian law and holding perpetrators accountable for war crimes and human rights violations.
- Political Solution: A sustainable solution to the crisis requires a comprehensive political process that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the participation of all Sudanese stakeholders, including civil society groups, women, and youth.
- Increased Funding: The humanitarian response in Sudan is severely underfunded. The international community must significantly increase its financial support to meet the growing needs of the affected population.
The international community faces a critical moment. Failure to act decisively will have devastating consequences for Sudan and the wider region, potentially fueling further instability and displacement. The Security Council must leverage its influence to push for a ceasefire, ensure humanitarian access, and support a credible political process that can lead to a lasting peace. The lives of millions of Sudanese people depend on it.
Conflict has turned parts of Sudan ‘into a hellscape,’ Security Council hears
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