War turning Sudan's cities into hell, rights groups warn

Eight international humanitarian organisations have warned that the war in Sudan has turned life for civilians into “hell”.

This came in a joint appeal to the United Nations, issued by the Norwegian and Danish Refugee Councils, along with CARE, GOAL, Plan International, Relief International, Save the Children and Solidarités International, who warned that efforts to curb the violence and end the suffering of Sudanese civilians have been insufficient.

The humanitarian disaster is worsening rapidly as the conflict has spread to 13 out of Sudan’s 18 states. The intensity of the conflict has escalated in recent weeks, with violence reaching its highest levels since the fighting began in mid-April 2023.

This comes alongside a frightening surge in infectious diseases and soaring malnutrition rates among children. Hunger now affects 26 million people across the country, while approximately 34 per cent of children suffer from malnutrition or acute malnutrition.

According to the eight organisations, cities like Al-Fasher have become “hell on earth” for thousands of women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Save the Children reported that cholera-related deaths in Sudan have tripled the global average, putting thousands of children at risk as the number of infections rises. The conflict has crippled healthcare access, with over 80 per cent of hospitals no longer operational.

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