Dr. Hanan Hamdan, a representative from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) for Egypt, recently highlighted the dire situation arising from the influx of over 1.2 million refugees fleeing the ongoing civil war in Sudan. The humanitarian crisis prompted by this conflict is described as “unsustainable,” with Hamdan urging the international community to provide urgent support to Egypt in its humanitarian efforts. He emphasized that the responsibility for aid must be shared on a global scale, stressing that the current burden placed on Egypt necessitates substantial and immediate assistance to protect and support those displaced by the violence.
The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the inadequate funding for humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan. The Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2024 has garnered only $1.52 billion of the $2.7 billion required, with a significant proportion allocated to aid both internally displaced persons and those escaping into neighboring countries. While Egypt has received the largest share of these refugees, countries like Chad, South Sudan, Libya, Uganda, the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia are also harboring those fleeing predicaments. This ongoing conflict has resulted in a substantial humanitarian toll, exacerbating existing crises and overwhelming the capacities of host nations.
As the conflict drags on, reports indicate that thousands continue to escape daily from Sudan, facing severe famine, violence, and limited access to humanitarian assistance. The UNHCR reports that the humanitarian landscape is deteriorating in the wake of the prolonged conflict, highlighting the critical need for international interventions. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have raised concerns over Egypt’s approach in addressing the influx of Sudanese refugees, including allegations of aggressive deportation practices. This has been compounded by the fact that only around half of the Sudanese population in Egypt is properly registered as refugees, leaving many vulnerable and without adequate support.
The civil war in Sudan erupted in April 2023, ignited by a power struggle between rival factions of the military junta led by de facto ruler Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. With each side vowing to persist in their conflict until the other is eliminated, the violence has spiraled into one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises globally. The repercussions have been profound, with significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and rampant disease and famine expressions impacting the already troubled civilian population.
Both factions have been accused of committing grave atrocities against civilians, including widespread reports of sexual violence. The RSF has come under particular scrutiny for its treatment of women and children in the conflict. Amid these allegations, the RSF has leveled accusations against Egypt, claiming support for Burhan’s forces through airstrikes. However, these allegations have been categorically denied by Egyptian authorities. Additionally, the RSF has held seven Egyptians, whom they label as “mercenaries,” as prisoners, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
In response to the escalating violence and humanitarian needs, the U.N. Security Council recently imposed sanctions on two RSF generals, which include travel bans and asset freezes. This decision followed a call from the United States and comes after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the RSF for its attacks on civilians. These developments underscore the pressing need for increased international attention and aid to address the humanitarian fallout from the crisis in Sudan. The ongoing challenges faced by Egypt and other neighboring countries in supporting the refugee population highlight the urgent requirement for a coordinated and comprehensive international response to this protracted humanitarian crisis.
