The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is rapidly escalating, prompting urgent calls for increased international scrutiny and pressure on warring factions. Serap Güler, Germany’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, recently returned from a visit to Sudan and Chad, describing a situation spiraling into what she termed the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe.
Güler, who stated she was the first European politician to visit Sudan since the conflict erupted two and a half years ago, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. She recounted receiving daily reports detailing atrocities, including killings and sexual violence, indicating that initial fears about the conflict’s trajectory are being tragically realized. During her visit, she met with Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, the de facto leader of Sudan.
The stark reality on the ground is compounded by the immense suffering of displaced civilians. Güler visited a refugee camp in Chad housing approximately 100,000 Sudanese, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by a million refugees in the neighboring country. Reports from the camp revealed a precarious existence: each person receives a mere four litres of water daily for all needs – drinking, washing and cooking – alongside a severe lack of medical care, with only one doctor serving the entire population, largely comprised of women and children.
Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, Güler stressed the need for a fundamental shift in the international response. She argued that both conflicting parties have operated with a perceived impunity, believing their actions would go unchallenged. “We need to make it clear: we are watching you” she stated, advocating for intensified monitoring and a more assertive diplomatic stance. A ceasefire remains elusive amidst the current tensions, but the minister insisted on pursuing it relentlessly.
Critics argue that the current reactive approach from the international community has been insufficient, allowing the conflict to fester and exacerbating the suffering of the Sudanese people. Güler’s warning underscores a growing consensus that a more proactive and critical engagement is necessary to hold the warring factions accountable and to facilitate a path towards a lasting resolution while addressing the immense humanitarian toll. The situation in Chad, with its overwhelmed refugee infrastructure, further amplifies the urgency of the crisis and demands a coordinated, long-term solution.
