Al-Burhan's Visit to Sennar Amidst Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council and Commander of the Army, recently visited Singa, the capital of Sennar State, where he declared the city liberated from the control of the Rapid Support Forces. During his visit, Al-Burhan emphasized the armed forces' commitment to reclaiming all territories occupied by these forces, which he referred to as a 'terrorist militia.' He dedicated this victory to the people of Sudan, who have endured significant suffering due to violence and displacement.
The Sudanese Armed Forces reported the successful restoration of the 17th Infantry Division's command in Singa, showcasing images and videos of their operations. The Rapid Support Forces had taken control of the city in July 2023, following intense fighting. Al-Burhan's statements reflect a broader military strategy to eliminate what he terms the 'filth of rebellion' from Sudan.
Humanitarian Crisis Escalates
In stark contrast to the military developments, the humanitarian situation in Sudan is deteriorating rapidly. Ian Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has warned that the crisis in Sudan is more severe than those in Ukraine, Gaza, and Somalia combined. He highlighted that approximately 24 million people are at risk, facing imminent famine and societal collapse.
Egeland's observations from his recent visit to Darfur revealed extensive destruction, with entire neighborhoods burned and looted. He urged the international community not to overlook the plight of Sudanese citizens amidst global conflicts. The World Food Programme has begun delivering humanitarian aid to the Zamzam camp for displaced persons in North Darfur, marking a critical step in addressing the urgent food insecurity affecting millions. However, the ongoing conflict has severely hampered aid distribution, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that has already displaced over 11 million people since the outbreak of war in April 2023.