Sudanese Ceasefire Fails as Food and Medical Supplies Diminish

Sudan has been plunged into chaos after days of conflict between Sudanese troops and paramilitary forces. A new 24-hour ceasefire was attempted to allow countries to evacuate their citizens, but it has been unsuccessful so far. This has raised concerns about diminishing food provisions and a breakdown of essential medical services.

Eyewitnesses in Khartoum reported that fighting continued on Wednesday despite the ceasefire being in effect. In that regard, both sides have stated that they will only abide by the ceasefire if they are not fired at by the other party. according to the Sudanese health ministry, the situation is dire, with at least 270 people dead and 2,600 injured. Further, nine hospitals have been hit by artillery, and 16 have had to be evacuated, with none operating fully inside the capital. 

Sudan’s Red Crescent spokesperson Osama Othman has called the situation “past catastrophic,” with hospitals completely collapsed and devoid of all necessities. Similarly, Martin Griffiths, the United Nations undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, said the fighting has “totally shut down” the world body’s work in the country.

“People aren’t moving, supplies have been looted and we don’t know what stocks are left,” Griffiths said. “The focus has to be relentlessly and with anger on the fact that people have been forced into this lockdown across the country, during the fasting month of Ramadan, close to Eid and in 40-degree temperatures.”

As the situation stands, the conflict has dashed hopes for progress toward democracy in the country and risks drawing in its neighbors. Chad which borders Sudan to the West has already disarmed 320 Sudanese soldiers who entered its territory on Monday, with its defense minister stating that they did not want to be involved in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s paramilitary group, Rapid Support Forces (RSF), claims to have set up a call center to receive distress calls from citizens and foreigners in the capital, Khartoum. The RSF said the center operates 24/7 to provide humanitarian aid and contribute to evacuations and resolve insecurities. The room is located in RSF’s controlled areas in Khartoum.

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