Siege tactics to starve the civilian population are being used in the Civil War in Sudan.

In April 2023 Civil War erupted in Sudan between the army and a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Recently a large-scale assault took place by the RSF militia on El Fasher, the government-held capital of Sudan’s North Darfur State, and the nearby Abu Shouk displacement camp, which has been under siege since April 2024. 

El Fasher is the last Government held bastion in Darfur. Exit routes from the city have been blocked and civilians are trapped under siege, cut off from safety and aid. 

Violence continues in the east of the country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates 3,000 people fled the town of Kadugli between 6 and 10 August.

Before the war erupted in April 2023, Sudan was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis that left 15.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid. The conflict has greatly exacerbated these conditions, surging displacement figures to 14.6 million and leaving 30.4 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—in need of humanitarian support.

Sudan now represents the largest and fastest displacement crisis in the world. It is also the largest humanitarian crisis on record – International Rescue Committee.

The UN Security Council has rejected the RSF’s declaration of a rival administration in the parts of Sudan it controls, warning the move threatens the country’s unity and risks worsening the brutal conflict between the militia and forces of the military government. The Security Council demanded that the RSF lift its siege of El Fasher, halt the fighting, and de-escalate tensions in and around the North Darfur capital.

The use of sexual violence, starvation, and the blocking of humanitarian aid are being perpetrated on the civilian population. The Trump administration’s cuts to the US Foreign Aid Budget are seriously impacting the work aid agencies can do to help a starving population. The UN is continuing to try and find a diplomatic solution to the conflict but its efforts are getting little traction whilst both sides are able to re-arm.

Weapons are being sold by China,  Russia, Türkiye, and the UAE. A report from Amnesty also identified weapons being sourced from Serbia and Yemen.

The Trade in Death is a lucrative one for the arms manufacturers and the dealers in weapons. The UK Government announced in April, ahead of a one day conference marking the 2 year anniversary of the Civil War, that it will contribute  £120 million funding in 2025. This will be used to deliver lifesaving food and nutrition supplies, including for vulnerable children and will provide emergency support to survivors of sexual violence. 

Welcoming the move Save the Children CEO Moazzam Malik said:

“ Children are already paying the highest price for this brutal conflict and the upcoming lean season, when food stocks run dangerously low, will put millions more at risk of malnutrition, disease, and starvation.

“This funding will be a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people, but the UK’s support can’t stop there. Refugee services are at breaking point in neighbouring countries, and instability is spreading across borders. The UK’s promise to support Sudan’s people must extend to providing funding for neighbouring countries too.

“This crisis demands more than humanitarian aid – it demands a political solution. This is the only way to protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and deliver long-term peace for children and families. ”

Fiona Grahame