Two years of war has left 20 million suffering food insecurity
April 2025
Wars in Ukraine and in Gaza have drawn much attention from the world’s media and the events in Washington are also a major distraction. Meanwhile, in Sudan a less well reported conflict is causing immense suffering, death and destruction on an heroic scale. Commendably, Channel 4’s Unreported World devoted a programme to the conflict in March this year [registration needed].
The conflict is now 2 years old and is between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces known as the RSF. By August 2023 around 1 million had fled the country. Currently, around 20 million are suffering acute food insecurity. Another million have fled to neighbouring Chad a country not equipped to handle such a large influx.
The RSF is accused of a range of war crimes including killings – sometimes in people’s homes and including small children – looting, sexual violence and arson. It has no regard for human rights.
The war could not last this long and at such an intensity without outside support and the major players are Egypt supporting the Army and the UAE who are alleged to be supporting the RSF. The reason according to Middle East Eye is to protect its investments in the country and to gain access to its mineral and agricultural resources. UAE imports 90% of its food and has little land suitable for agriculture itself.
UK seeks to suppress criticism
Weapons and arms are another key factor and suppliers include China, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, UAE and Yemen. Amnesty suggests technology from France has been found. UAE appear to be the main player and the UK is alleged to be active in preventing criticism of the country. The United Kingdom has reportedly tried to suppress scrutiny of the UAE’s role in Sudan. In June, a report from the Guardian reported that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) pressured African diplomats not to criticise the UAE. There is considerable trade and commercial interests between the two countries and the UAE invests in the UK including part ownership of Gatwick airport. Clearly, the government, with its focus on growth, does not want the role of the UAE in fomenting conflict in Sudan with devastating results, to stand in the way of commercial interests.
This seems to be yet another example of how outside interests result in fearful consequences for the people who’s properties have been burnt and who have had to flee to neighbouring countries to escape violence.
Sources: Amnesty; Human Rights Watch, Middle East Eye; Crisis Group; Guardian
Amnesty in Salisbury & South Wiltshire 