US Envoy Urges Ceasefire in Sudan Amid Humanitarian Crisis
In a critical appeal, US Special Envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, has called for an immediate ceasefire between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in El Fasher, the capital of South Darfur State. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leaving millions of Sudanese facing severe hunger and famine. Perriello emphasized that without a halt to the fighting, efforts to deliver essential aid will remain grossly inadequate.
Perriello's statement comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden's call for both parties to resume negotiations to end the war, which has persisted since April 2023. The UN Secretary-General's spokesman has also expressed deep concern over reports of escalated attacks by the RSF, urging its commander, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), to take immediate action to stop the violence.
The UN General Assembly is set to discuss the 17-month-long conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and one of the largest displacement crises globally. As clashes continue in El Fasher and other regions, local sources reported an unidentified transport plane landing at Nyala Airport, raising questions about its purpose amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Residents of El Fasher are grappling with the destruction of their homes as the RSF has besieged the city for months, leading to what the UN describes as a comprehensive attack. In response, the Islamic Call Organization has launched a significant humanitarian campaign to support Sudan, aiming to raise $40 million for food, shelter, health, and social care.
Cholera Outbreak Amidst Conflict
The humanitarian situation is further complicated by a cholera outbreak, with Sudanese authorities reporting 401 new cases and six deaths across five states. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that since August, the total death toll from cholera has reached 388, with infections rising to 12,896 across 10 states. This health crisis coincides with the ongoing conflict, which has already left over 20,000 dead and nearly 10 million displaced, according to the United Nations.
As the fighting continues to spread across 13 states, international and UN calls are intensifying to prevent a humanitarian disaster that threatens millions with famine and death due to severe food shortages caused by the conflict.
