Sudan has been embroiled in a devastating armed conflict since last April, triggered by power struggles among the country’s military factions. The fighting, primarily between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has had a profound impact on civilians, resulting in large-scale displacement and shattered access to food, water, health care, fuel, cash, and other basic needs for millions of people.
The conflict has led to the displacement of approximately 2.5 million people, both internally and across borders. Nearly 2 million individuals have been internally displaced, facing immense challenges and limited access to essentials. (Source: https://www.unocha.org/sudan).
The first trip made with the Diocese of Malakal’s Caritas vessel between Melut and Malakal. It carried 500 people back to their home areas. Credit: Caritas Diocese of Malakal, South Sudan.
Caritas’ Response and Challenges
Through Caritas Internationalis, the Auxiliary Bishop of Khartoum, H.E. Daniel Marco Kur Adwok, appealed for humanitarian support for the people affected by the conflict in Sudan: “As Caritas Sudan we don’t have the capacity. In fact, before this crisis, we were just starting to relaunch the local Caritas because it had been deactivated for 10 years. We need support and expertise to help people in need”, said Bishop Adwok.
Despite the high insecurity and looting of humanitarian assets and offices, which have compromised humanitarian access to key locations, CI and its member organizations remain committed to assisting the most vulnerable. They are actively working to mitigate the conflict’s effects within Sudan and neighboring countries.
“Since the outbreak of the war, CRS Sudan has adapted to keep our presence in the country, and we are dedicated to remaining in Sudan and helping people here for as long as possible,” said Paul Emes, the CRS country representative for Sudan (one of the CI members active in the country), in an interview with Crux.
The deteriorating situation is also evident along Sudan’s borders, with several Sudan neighboring countries facing their protracted crises. Caritas is actively responding and adjusting its programs to address the volatile security situation at the borders.
Credit: Caritas Diocese of Malakal, South Sudan.
Chad:
In Chad, UNHCR has documented an influx of more than 155,000 new arrivals from Sudan in Ouaddaï, Sila, and Wadi Fira provinces. They are joining an existing population of 407,000 Sudanese refugees already living in 14 camps.
Caritas is taking action to protect refugees and ensure safe spaces for women and girls are available so they can find respite. The needs are huge, and the resources are lacking for refugees in transit/arrival sites, which are in remote zones with difficult access and with the rainy season that started at the end of May. There is a pressing need to relocate the maximum number of refugees so that they are not cut off on the other side by the strong torrents of rainwater.
Credit: Caritas Diocese of Malakal, South Sudan.
Egypt:
More than 210,000 Sudanese have fled to Egypt, according to data shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of early June. In addition, 5,565 third-country nationals are reported to have arrived based on the latest data available.
Ethiopia:
Over 45,600 people have arrived in Ethiopia through multiple border crossing points in Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, and Gambella regions.
Central African Republic (CAR)
13,824 people, including 3,456 Central African returnees, have preventively crossed the border from Sudan. In CAR, malaria is widespread so one of Caritas activity is the distribution of mosquito nets for refugees.
South Sudan:
More than 115,000 people have crossed into South Sudan, the majority of whom are South Sudanese refugee returnees.
Caritas is struggling to assist in Wau, Malakal, and Juba, “the fighting is very heavy in Sudan and it is difficult to see the light of peace.” Said Sr. Elena Balatti, Director of Caritas Malakal “Caritas staff is on the ground with those who offer humanitarian support and also fill the gap with the authorities.”
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