Humanitarian crisis escalates in Sudan amid ongoing civil war between SAF and RSF
May 25, 2025 | Foreign Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on May 25, 2025, to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation resulting from ongoing civil conflict. The meeting underscored that Sudan is on the brink of collapse across multiple sectors, including political, economic, social, and health.
The conflict, which began in 2023, is primarily between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group with roots in the notorious Janjaweed. The RSF has been implicated in severe human rights abuses and has contributed to widespread chaos and violence. The humanitarian toll is staggering, with over 13 million people displaced and approximately 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Estimates suggest that between 28,000 and 150,000 people have died due to the conflict, with many more facing severe food insecurity.
The meeting revealed alarming statistics: 638,000 individuals are in a state of famine, while an additional 24.6 million are classified as highly food insecure. Famine has been officially declared in regions such as Darfur and South Kordofan, with 17 other areas at risk. Witness accounts and statistical analyses presented during the meeting indicated that the famine is largely a man-made disaster, exacerbated by the ongoing violence and mismanagement.
Efforts to provide humanitarian aid have faced significant challenges. A representative from Samaritan's Purse shared experiences of air-dropping food to desperate communities, highlighting the need for coordinated humanitarian access amidst the chaos. The organization successfully negotiated a temporary agreement to deliver food, demonstrating that cooperation is possible even in dire circumstances.
The committee emphasized that while humanitarian assistance is crucial, it cannot resolve the crisis alone. A political solution is essential to end the violence, and the need for a dedicated U.S. special envoy to Sudan was strongly advocated. The envoy would ideally have direct access to the U.S. president to facilitate a more proactive foreign policy approach focused on governance, democracy, and human rights.
In conclusion, the meeting called for urgent international attention and action to address the multifaceted crisis in Sudan. Without a concerted effort to halt the conflict and provide sustainable solutions, the humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate further, impacting millions of lives.
The conflict, which began in 2023, is primarily between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia group with roots in the notorious Janjaweed. The RSF has been implicated in severe human rights abuses and has contributed to widespread chaos and violence. The humanitarian toll is staggering, with over 13 million people displaced and approximately 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Estimates suggest that between 28,000 and 150,000 people have died due to the conflict, with many more facing severe food insecurity.
The meeting revealed alarming statistics: 638,000 individuals are in a state of famine, while an additional 24.6 million are classified as highly food insecure. Famine has been officially declared in regions such as Darfur and South Kordofan, with 17 other areas at risk. Witness accounts and statistical analyses presented during the meeting indicated that the famine is largely a man-made disaster, exacerbated by the ongoing violence and mismanagement.
Efforts to provide humanitarian aid have faced significant challenges. A representative from Samaritan's Purse shared experiences of air-dropping food to desperate communities, highlighting the need for coordinated humanitarian access amidst the chaos. The organization successfully negotiated a temporary agreement to deliver food, demonstrating that cooperation is possible even in dire circumstances.
The committee emphasized that while humanitarian assistance is crucial, it cannot resolve the crisis alone. A political solution is essential to end the violence, and the need for a dedicated U.S. special envoy to Sudan was strongly advocated. The envoy would ideally have direct access to the U.S. president to facilitate a more proactive foreign policy approach focused on governance, democracy, and human rights.
In conclusion, the meeting called for urgent international attention and action to address the multifaceted crisis in Sudan. Without a concerted effort to halt the conflict and provide sustainable solutions, the humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate further, impacting millions of lives.
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