Sudan, the 15th-largest country in the world and the third-largest in Africa, is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. Approximately 45% of its population, or 21.2 million people, are experiencing acute food insecurity, with famine confirmed in at least two cities and 20 others on the brink of starvation. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted since 2019, has displaced at least 12 million individuals, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The civil war in Sudan erupted following a popular uprising that ousted long-time autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A Transitional Military Council was formed, but soon after, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) overthrew the transitional government, leading to a power struggle between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, which has roots in the Janjaweed militia responsible for past genocidal actions in Darfur, has been implicated in severe human rights violations, including massacres and mass rapes, particularly in the city of el-Fasher.

The international response to the crisis has been inadequate, with major media outlets providing limited coverage of the situation in Sudan compared to other conflicts, such as that in Gaza. The United Nations has reported that tens of thousands of civilians are fleeing violence, facing extortion and further violence during their escape.

The role of the United States and its allies in this crisis is complex. While the Trump administration has not taken a definitive side, cuts to foreign aid have severely impacted humanitarian efforts, with millions potentially losing access to essential health services. Additionally, arms supplied by countries including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and China have contributed to the ongoing violence, raising concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law.

As the situation in Sudan deteriorates, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of militarism and the need for a more robust international humanitarian response. The crisis underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need, rather than being hindered by political agendas.