In brief
The visit of UN's humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher to el-Geneina reveals the devastating aftermath of violence and famine in Darfur, with stories of survival from fleeing Sudanese civilians highlighting the urgent need for international attention and aid.
In the once-vibrant town of el-Geneina, West Darfur, desolation reigns as charred buildings and abandoned homes narrate a tale of horror and hunger. Tom Fletcher, the UN’s new relief chief, described his visit to this ghost town as a chilling glimpse into the aftermath of one of Sudan’s most brutal conflicts, which has raged for over 19 months. The ongoing war, marked by violence, ethnic cleansing, and an epidemic of sexual violence, has led to a dire humanitarian crisis, with many residents fleeing to neighboring Chad.Fletcher emphasized that the crisis is fueled by competing forces: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. Human rights organizations have accused both parties of war crimes during a spree of violence last year that reportedly resulted in the deaths of up to 15,000 individuals, primarily targeting the non-Arab Masalit community.During his rare visit, Fletcher met with fleeing civilians who painted a harrowing picture of their escape from el-Geneina. A 14-year-old girl recounted a tale of survival amidst chaos, where her family had to hide by day to avoid being killed by armed forces, illustrating the ongoing dangers faced by those who dare to flee. Others echoed her sentiments, revealing how the war disrupted their agricultural livelihoods, leaving them hungry and vulnerable.The situation in a modest health center within the al-Riyadh displacement camp starkly contrasted with the violence outside, as displaced individuals gathered, recalling the depths of their suffering. A community elder called for urgent assistance, highlighting the dire lack of resources and basic needs, while Fletcher acknowledged their plight, committing to amplify their voices to the world.Meanwhile, local NGOs expressed frustration at limited UN access and support in Darfur, lamenting the neglect as global attention shifts to other crises. Observers worry that the ongoing attention to conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza might eclipse the suffering endured by populations in Sudan. As international support remains pivotal, Fletcher aims to strengthen the UN's response to what is labeled as "one of the worst humanitarian crises" unfolding in the region.The once-thriving town of el-Geneina stands as a haunting reminder of the conflict’s brutality, encapsulating the urgency of global intervention to halt further atrocities and address the critical humanitarian needs of its people.
