Activist urges support for Sudanese refugees

WFP/Eloge Mbaihondoum- WFP distributing food to newly arrived refugees crossing into Chad and settling in temporary shelters. (File photo)

A Sudanese civil society activist has shed light on the dire conditions faced by Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, where they lack even the most basic necessities for survival.

A Sudanese civil society activist has shed light on the dire conditions faced by Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries, where they lack even the most basic necessities for survival.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Activist Dafa-Allah Asil described the situation as “extremely difficult and tragic,” with high rates of malnutrition among children, inadequate healthcare for the elderly, and shortages of food and safe drinking water.

Asil emphasized that this suffering is only worsening due to the ongoing Sudanese war and the continuous influx of refugees into neighboring nations, compounded by insufficient humanitarian aid.

He urged organizations to intensify their efforts in providing essential assistance to refugees, including food, medical treatment, healthcare, and education. Asil emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian organizations to alleviate the plight of refugees who have fled their homes due to the ravages of war.

Highlighting that many refugees have arrived with their families, Asil noted that numerous heads of households are currently unemployed and desperately require shelter and food assistance.

He further noted that upon their arrival in some neighboring countries, these families have scattered, with some settling in refugee camps while others opt to integrate into host communities.

Highlighting the importance of protection, Asil emphasized that these families require safety measures both in refugee camps and among host communities. Additionally, he expressed the desire of Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries to return to their homeland, urging an end to hostilities by warring factions to achieve peace.

In a resolute statement, he emphasized, “Refugees in neighboring countries are calling on the conflicting Sudanese parties, including the Army and the Rapid Support Forces, to halt the war and resume negotiations in Jeddah to resolve the Sudanese crisis, enabling Sudanese people to return home.”

Sudan has been gripped by conflict between the Army and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. United Nations data indicates that at least 13,900 people have lost their lives, while over 8 million have been displaced.

Recently, the United States urged the international community to provide assistance to alleviate the suffering of over one million Sudanese refugees. Additionally, they called on conflicting parties to ensure unrestricted access to humanitarian aid.