Sudan Crisis: African Union Calls it the World's Worst Humanitarian Disaster Amid Ongoing Conflict

The conflict in Sudan has become one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises globally, according to the African Union (AU). The civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to massive displacement and severe food shortages, significantly hampering aid delivery. As a result, millions of Sudanese are at risk of famine.

The AU’s High-Level Panel on Sudan (HLP-Sudan) highlighted that the war has made it nearly impossible to deliver humanitarian assistance, aggravating hunger, and causing widespread suffering. The situation has particularly affected vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and the sick. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chairperson of the HLP-Sudan, emphasized the dire conditions, noting that children and women are enduring continuous abuse and many individuals lack access to necessary medical care.

The conflict has displaced approximately 12 million people, with hundreds of thousands of children now suffering from malnutrition. The situation is exacerbated by reports of atrocities, including attacks on schools and hospitals, forced recruitment of child soldiers, and the denial of humanitarian aid by the RSF, which controls much of Darfur. The United Nations (UN) has raised concerns about the RSF's blocking of critical aid in these regions.

Despite these challenges, diplomatic efforts are ongoing. The AU has been actively engaging Sudanese political and civilian leaders to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace, and security, reiterated that the war can only end through an inclusive political dialogue, not military action.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s military government has recently proposed a roadmap for a post-war transitional government, though the war’s persistence and continued violence cast doubt on how effectively this can be implemented.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan requires urgent attention and a concerted effort from the international community to prevent further devastation. The situation remains critical, with millions in need of immediate assistance, and the conflict's resolution hinges on political negotiation rather than continued military engagement.