Six Months of War in Sudan
Sudanese American Medical NGO Reflects on Devastation of Conflict, Warns Inaction Jeopardizes Millions
half a year since the outbreak of armed conflict.
On April 15, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began clashing in the streets of Khartoum, initiating what has become one of the darkest chapters in Sudan’s history. As an organization dedicated to promoting the health and safety of the Sudanese people, the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) is devastated that this war continues to rage six months later.
To mark this sorrowful anniversary, SAPA’s Board of Directors issued the following statement:
“Our hearts break for the millions of people in Sudan who have suffered – and continue to suffer – after six months of horrific war. For the Sudanese people, this conflict feels like one never-ending nightmare. Hospitals and crowded markets have been bombed to rubble. Thousands of innocent people have died while millions have been driven from their homes. Women have been brutalized by sexual violence while children have faced violence, trauma, and hunger.
“We are deeply concerned that even as the humanitarian catastrophe grows by the day, global attention continues to fade. The international community is not meeting its obligations to protect civilians, and we are especially disappointed that countries have only fulfilled one-third of the total United Nations appeal to respond to this crisis.
“The recent announcement that the UN Human Rights Council will initiate a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights abuses in Sudan is a welcomed step to expose atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable – but the Sudanese people require equal attention and action to provide desperately needed humanitarian assistance. More suffering, more violence, and more despair does not have to be inevitable: the community of nations has the power to alleviate this crisis and work toward a brighter future for all of Sudan.
“We also commend our staff and health workers across Sudan, whose continued bravery and determination is awe-inspiring. SAPA will continue to do everything possible to support them and honor their many sacrifices to provide for the Sudanese people.”
