By Ebi Kesiena
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has reported that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced over 14 million people, with the humanitarian situation reaching catastrophic levels.
IOM Director-General, Amy Pope highlighted the dire impact of the crisis, urging for peace as the number of internally displaced people continues to rise.
In a statement on Wednesday, the IOM revealed that the internal displacement count had surged to 11 million, marking an increase of 200,000 since September alone.
Pope pointed out that an additional 3.1 million people have been forced to cross borders to escape the escalating violence. Together, these figures represent nearly 30% of Sudan’s population now displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
Also, Pope expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll, describing the situation in Sudan as “catastrophic.”
“the suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people in urgent need of assistance. The cost of this displacement crisis is worsening, and it is crucial for the guns in Sudan to fall silent,” she said.
The violence, which broke out in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has led to widespread destruction and loss of life.
A recent report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, released in October, estimates that over 24,850 people have lost their lives since the start of the conflict.
Recent images shared by Xinhua on October 28 show the extent of the devastation in Bahri City, north of Khartoum. One photo depicted a destroyed vehicle, while another captured items strewn across the streets testimonies of the ongoing turmoil.
With millions displaced and the conflict showing no signs of abating, international organizations have ramped up their calls for peace.
The IOM chief reiterated the urgency of the situation, warning that without an end to the violence, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will only deepen.
Heritage Times HT notes that the IOM’s appeal comes at a time when international attention is crucial, as the suffering of the Sudanese people continues to escalate amid the worsening conflict.
