Sudan’s rival forces are intensifying the use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas and manipulating humanitarian aid, deepening what the United Nations has already called the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, a UN investigative team told the Human Rights Council on Tuesday.
“Let us be clear: the conflict in Sudan is far from over,” said Mohamed Chande Othman, chair of the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) for Sudan. “The scale of human suffering continues to deepen. The fragmentation of governance, the militarisation of society, and the involvement of foreign actors are fuelling an ever-deadlier crisis.”
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) — now well into its third year — has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than 13 million people, according to UN data. The FFM reported:
- Urban bombardment: Recent RSF drone strikes on Obeid International Hospital in North Kordofan killed six civilians, while an SAF air raid on Al Koma this month left at least 15 civilians dead.
- Aid obstruction: Bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the SAF and convoy looting by the RSF have turned relief supplies into a weapon of war.
- Surging sexual violence: The mission documented rising cases of gang rape, abduction, sexual slavery and forced marriage, predominantly in RSF-controlled displacement camps.
“What began as a political and security crisis has become a grave human-rights emergency, marked by international crimes that stain all involved,” said mission member Mona Rishmawi.
Sudan has teetered since the 2019 ouster of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir. An October 2021 military takeover dissolved the civilian-led transition, and fighting erupted in April 2023 between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
Regional entanglements persist: last week the SAF accused Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar’s forces of attacking border posts, while Sudanese officials say the RSF receives backing from the United Arab Emirates — a charge Abu Dhabi denies.
“With no sign of resolution, it is unconscionable that this devastating war is entering its third year,” Rishmawi said, urging greater international pressure to protect civilians and secure humanitarian access.
With input from Al Jazeera
