The country of Sudan can’t catch a break; its people have been experiencing a number of humanitarian and socioeconomic challenges for decades. Millions of Sudanese have been affected by political instability, violent conflict, socio-economic crisis, and food insecurity.
Islamic Relief USA has not forgotten them. As an independent member of the Islamic Relief global family of NGOs, Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has supported a number of emergency response and poverty relief projects in the country. Let’s look closely at the current situation on the ground in Sudan and learn more about Islamic Relief’s programs there.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
Most recently, Sudan has been in a Civil War between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a paramilitary organization called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. This conflict has resulted in widespread violence and displacement.
The current conflict began as a rift between former allies—General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the SAF and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo of the RSF. The two collaborated to stage a successful coup against dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The power vacuum and resistance to civilian rule have led to intense fighting, mostly in the regions of Khartoum, North and West Kordofan, and Darfur.
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has intensified significantly. Over 8.4 million people have been displaced since April 2023, and millions more are facing severe hunger and disease outbreaks. Hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure have been targeted, exacerbating exposure to diseases like cholera and malaria. The conflict has disrupted access to clean water and driven up food prices, leaving nearly half of Sudan’s population in urgent need of aid and protection.
Sudan’s conflict has rippled throughout the region, as approximately 100,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries, including more than 42,000 who have fled to Egypt. This has been difficult for some of these countries, as some were already struggling with internal strife of their own. In addition, these refugee populations are at a high risk of violence and exploitation in their new homes.
Concerns over foreign involvement have escalated, with accusations of military support from Egypt, Russia-backed groups, and the United Arab Emirates. The crisis threatens regional stability and economic cooperation, with implications for water resources and vital infrastructure. International organizations like Islamic Relief have provided critical assistance, but challenges persist in addressing the escalating humanitarian needs amidst ongoing conflict and political instability.
Islamic Relief’s Response
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Islamic Relief has been at the forefront of providing vital assistance to those affected by the conflict. Despite challenges like security risks and logistical hurdles, Islamic Relief has successfully implemented a range of interventions to address the urgent needs of the Sudanese people. Many aid workers have lost their lives while providing such aid.
Islamic Relief’s response efforts have included supplying food to over 327,000 people and essential non-food items to more than 1,300. The organization has also provided crucial healthcare services and medicine to over 67,000 individuals, along with hygiene kits for 3,000 people to prevent the spread of disease.
Islamic Relief has offered cash assistance to more than 36,200 people to help them meet their immediate needs and ensure their basic survival. Additionally, it has provided water storage kits to over 4,800 people and emergency shelter for more than 2,400 displaced by the conflict. Through these interventions, Islamic Relief continues to demonstrate its commitment to those affected by the crisis in Sudan.
Islamic Relief’s History of Humanitarian Interventions in Sudan
Islamic Relief has a longstanding history of humanitarian interventions in Sudan, dating back to its first humanitarian response during the famine of 1984. At that time, Islamic Relief provided essential food aid to people facing severe hunger and starvation. Since then, Islamic Relief has remained committed to supporting vulnerable communities in Sudan through a variety of long-term development initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.
One of its key interventions has been in the areas of healthcare and education. Its initiatives have helped increase access to vital services that can improve the well-being and opportunities of Sudanese people for the future. Additionally, it has implemented innovative programs like Qurbani+, an initiative designed to increase the income of families through an Islamic microfinance livelihood program.
Islamic Relief has also been actively involved in orphan care, as it has provided support to orphaned children who have been affected by conflict, poverty, and displacement. Additionally, it has provided humanitarian aid to displaced people, returnees, and other vulnerable populations. This has included emergency aid for families affected by floods, including access to clean water and sustainable livelihood support to help communities recover and rebuild.
Through these efforts, Islamic Relief continues to make a meaningful impact in Sudan by addressing the diverse needs of communities and being a source of positive change.
Challenges and Future Efforts
In Sudan, there are plenty of ongoing challenges for humanitarian organizations like Islamic Relief to deal with. Many humanitarian workers have been killed and several aid agency offices have been looted. This has forced the suspension of humanitarian aid. Islamic Relief is currently waiting for the situation to become more stable before it delivers aid again.
Looking ahead, Islamic Relief is actively strategizing future efforts to address these challenges and continue its humanitarian work in Sudan. Prioritizing security and safety measures for aid workers is of the utmost importance when they are working in volatile environments.
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