Statement on the Sudan War Entering Its Third Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. – InterAction, the leading alliance of international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and partners in the United States, issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the breakout of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

“As the war in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) enters a third year of fighting today, InterAction deplores the ongoing conflict which has resulted in more than 150,000 deaths and some 30 million civilians in dire humanitarian need.

“Despite this destruction, the war is escalating. More than 100 civilians, including nine healthcare aid workers from Relief International, were killed in Zamzam camp in North Darfur on April 11. Famine has been declared in five areas, including Zamzam, and continues to expand as supplies run low and aid has been suspended. Armed actors, continuing to act with impunity, have contributed to regional instability, mass suffering of women and children, and continued displacement for millions of people.

“As the conflict rages on, communities are reeling from the impact of U.S. foreign assistance cuts. Nearly 80% of emergency food kitchens, staffed by volunteer aid workers, have been forced to close. U.N. organizations, international NGOs, national NGOs, and other civil society groups have had to suspend, downsize, or cut programs entirely.

“The international community must step up. With the ministerial conference on Sudan underway today, InterAction urges all parties to bring pressure to bear to seek a resolution to the conflict, protect all civilians from violence, speak out against attacks on humanitarian workers, and allow for the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance to communities in need. Attacks on civilians and healthcare workers are violations of international humanitarian law and must cease.

“The people of Sudan have endured this senseless violence for far too long. It is time for the international community to take decisive action that ends these atrocities and brings accountability.”

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InterAction unites and amplifies the voices of America’s leading humanitarian and development organizations committed to creating a safer, more prosperous world. Its members deliver lifesaving aid, protect vulnerable families, and advance human dignity around the globe.

For press inquiries, please contact Mitch McQuate at mmcquate@interaction.org or (202) 403-7253.