After two years of war, Sudan refugees need urgent assistance in Chad • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Sudan War: Ongoing conflict for power.
• Displacement: Mass movement of people due to conflict.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Severe, widespread suffering and need for aid.
• Ceasefire Proposals: Attempts to halt fighting.
• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Paramilitary group involved in the conflict.
• Sudanese Army: Military-led government forces.
• Alfasia: Strategic city captured by RSF.
• Star 4 Region: Area where Alfasia is located.
• RSF Tactics: Allegations of rearming, re-mobilizing, and human rights abuses.

The Unfolding War in Sudan and the Elusive Truce

The war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, continues with no end in sight, despite numerous ceasefire proposals. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians and the displacement of approximately 12 million people, leading the United Nations to declare it the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

Impact on Displaced Populations

Displaced residents, such as those from Alfasia, express deep exhaustion and a longing for a return to normalcy. They recount the loss of life, including youth, and the destruction of families. Their primary plea is for the country to be "fixed," for people to return to their lands, and to live in peace and security.

Ceasefire Efforts and Skepticism

Both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Army have agreed to various ceasefire proposals, but none have been sustained. The most recent proposal, put forth by the United States, has been accepted by the RSF but not yet by the Sudanese military-led government.

However, residents remain wary, viewing potential truces as a possible pretext for the RSF to rearm and regroup. As one resident stated, "Whether the RSF militia has agreed or not to the ceasefire, they will not stick to it. Like what happened in previous agreements, the RSF militia has never respected the ceasefire. With this ceasefire, they want to mobilize more military equipment. They want to prepare themselves again so that they can control alashir and our four."

RSF Capture of Alfasia and Allegations of Atrocities

This latest ceasefire proposal follows the RSF's capture of the strategic city of Alfasia in Sudan's Star 4 region at the end of the previous month. Following this capture, witnesses and aid groups have reported widespread atrocities committed by RSF fighters, including rapes, looting, and massacres, with the fate of thousands more remaining unknown.

Conclusion

The war in Sudan persists, characterized by immense human suffering and displacement. While diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire are ongoing, deep-seated skepticism, fueled by past experiences and the RSF's recent actions, casts doubt on their effectiveness. The capture of Alfasia and the subsequent allegations of severe human rights abuses highlight the urgent need for a lasting resolution and accountability.