Quatre millions de personnes ont fui le Soudan depuis le début de la guerre
Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: A Growing Exodus
Since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023, over four million people have fled Sudan, marking a devastating milestone in what is now considered the world’s most severe population displacement crisis, according to the United Nations.
The Scale of Displacement
Eujin Byun, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), described the situation as dire. As of Monday, a total of 4,003,385 individuals have escaped Sudan as refugees, asylum seekers, or returnees. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in thousands of casualties and is precipitating one of the worst humanitarian crises globally.
Among those displaced, around 1.5 million people have sought refuge in Egypt, while over 1.1 million have fled to South Sudan. Notably, this includes nearly 800,000 South Sudanese who had previously taken refuge in Sudan before the conflict began. Additionally, more than 850,000 sought safety in Chad, where the number of Sudanese refugees has more than tripled since the conflict’s onset. Prior to the war, Chad already hosted over 400,000 Sudanese refugees, and the current figure has surpassed 1.2 million.
Conditions on the Ground
As conditions worsen, the increase in refugees entering Chad has prompted calls for urgent action. Dossou Patrice Ahouansou, the UNHCR’s chief coordinator in Chad, highlighted the significant influx of refugees crossing the border since late April, particularly due to RSF attacks on refugee camps near El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. In just over a month, 68,556 refugees have arrived in Chad’s Wadi Fira and East Ennedi provinces, with an average of 1,400 people crossing the border daily.
Ahouansou emphasized the dire conditions in which many refugees find themselves, stating that funds are severely lacking, leading to deplorable living situations. "Without a significant increase in funding, vital aid cannot be delivered at the scale and speed required," he stressed.
The International Response
The international community is urged to respond decisively to this escalating crisis. As refugee numbers grow, the need for resources and humanitarian assistance becomes increasingly critical. UNHCR officials have reiterated their appeal for increased financial support to provide necessary aid effectively.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to an unprecedented humanitarian emergency, with millions fleeing their homes in search of safety. As the situation progresses, it becomes paramount for humanitarian organizations and international bodies to come together to address the overwhelming needs of those affected. Without timely aid and intervention, the suffering of these displaced populations will continue to deepen, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
