The United Nations’ humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has called for urgent global intervention to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, which has displaced over 11 million people since the conflict erupted in April 2023.
During a nine-day visit to Sudan and Chad, Fletcher met with refugees and local officials, pledging to amplify their voices on the global stage. “We are not invisible,” he said, echoing the sentiments of those fleeing violence.
Sudan’s war pits the national army, led by Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, against the Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and left nearly half the population at risk of starvation, with hunger reportedly being weaponised by both sides.
Fletcher’s visit included stops in El-Geneina, the conflict-hit capital of West Darfur, and Chad’s Adre border crossing, where he called aid deliveries a lifeline. He highlighted the urgent need for food, medicine, education, and shelter, stating, “These numbers are staggering, and we cannot turn our backs.”
The UN continues to describe the situation in Sudan as the worst humanitarian crisis in recent history, underscoring the need for immediate international support.
