The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that Sudan has become home to the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with over 7.1 million people internally displaced within the country. Of these, 4.5 million have been displaced since the outbreak of recent violence in mid-April, according to the latest statistics released by the organization.
The IOM stated in a Monday press release that approximately 3 million of these displaced individuals originate from the capital city, Khartoum, which is also a focal point of the conflict. Additionally, there are 1.2 million people who have fled to neighboring countries, with the majority seeking refuge in Chad, followed by Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Libya.
Amy Pope, Director-General of the International Organization for Migration, expressed, “The humanitarian situation in Sudan is catastrophic, and there seems to be no end in sight. It is the civilians who are paying the price.” She called on the international community not to turn its back on Sudan and to swiftly support relief efforts before the situation deteriorates into a deeper humanitarian tragedy.
It is worth noting that the arrival of new displaced individuals in Sudan has put additional pressure on public services and resources in the areas they have reached. This has led to a deterioration in living conditions for millions who now face a daily struggle for survival. The situation has worsened due to visible infrastructure damage, the collapse of banking and financial services, internet and communication disruptions, and the destruction of healthcare services.
Approximately 80% of the displaced individuals report that healthcare services are either entirely unavailable or inadequate. Moreover, 86% of the displaced population suffers from power outages, according to data from the International Organization for Migration. So far, the organization has received a response for only about 28% of the requested funding to address the needs of internally displaced individuals in Sudan and neighboring countries.
Sudan’s internal displacement crisis is a result of ongoing conflicts, violence, and instability within the country. The situation has escalated over the past six months, leading to millions of people being displaced from their homes. The conflict has not only disrupted the lives of those internally displaced but has also strained the resources and infrastructure in areas hosting them. The dire humanitarian situation in Sudan calls for urgent international assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected and support their basic needs, including healthcare, shelter, and food.
