Humanitarian disaster worsens across Sudan after RSF takes over el-Fasher – Al Jazeera

Humanitarian Crisis in North Darfur and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

A report on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s North Darfur region, following the seizure of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), indicates a catastrophic failure to uphold multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has resulted in severe human rights violations and a dire need for humanitarian intervention, directly undermining global development targets.

Failure to Achieve SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The conflict represents a complete collapse of peace and justice. Despite a roadmap proposed by international mediators, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, no ceasefire has been achieved. The situation in el-Fasher is characterized by:

• The seizure of the state capital after an 18-month siege and starvation campaign.
• Widespread violence and human rights abuses, including mass executions, torture, beatings, and sexual violence, as reported by survivors.
• A failure of institutions to protect civilians, with tens of thousands trapped or unaccounted for.
• Calls from US lawmakers to designate the RSF as a “foreign terrorist organisation” in a bid to establish accountability.

Severe Setbacks for Basic Human Needs and Well-being (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6)

The conflict has created conditions that actively reverse progress on fundamental human development goals. The humanitarian situation for displaced persons in camps such as al-Dabbah and surrounding towns like Tawila is critical, with significant deficiencies in basic services.

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger: Millions are in dire need of food aid. The use of siege tactics has exacerbated food insecurity, and displaced populations face starvation without immediate intervention.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: There is an urgent need for medication and healthcare. The violence has inflicted immense physical and psychological trauma on the population.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Displaced individuals, many sleeping in the open, lack access to clean water, heightening the risk of disease.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty: Forced displacement and the destruction of livelihoods have plunged countless individuals into extreme poverty.

Displacement and the Collapse of Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

The goal of creating safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities has been severely compromised. The conflict has triggered a massive displacement crisis, dismantling community structures.

• Tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped in el-Fasher, while thousands more who fled are missing.
• Surrounding areas, such as the town of Tawila and the al-Dabbah refugee camp, are overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people, exceeding their capacity to provide shelter and support.
• Aid agencies report a “complete blackout” of information from el-Fasher, hindering efforts to locate and assist those stranded or in hiding.

International Response and the Call for Partnership (SDG 17)

International aid agencies and mediators are advocating for urgent action, highlighting the need for global partnerships to address the crisis. However, security challenges and lack of access impede the delivery of essential aid.

Key Demands from the International Community:

1. Humanitarian Access: A primary demand from aid agencies, such as Solidarites International, is for the warring parties to guarantee safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach all affected populations.
2. End to Violence: The US Department of State and other mediators have condemned the mass killings and ethnic violence, demanding the RSF cease all retribution.
3. Negotiated Solution: International partners have reiterated that there is no viable military solution and have urged both parties to pursue a negotiated path to end the conflict, in line with the principles of SDG 16.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
  
  Explanation: The article highlights a “starvation campaign” and states that “Millions of people… remain in dire need of humanitarian aid.” Displaced people in camps are explicitly mentioned as being “in need of food,” directly connecting to the goal of ensuring access to sufficient food for vulnerable populations.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.d: Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.
  
  Explanation: The article describes a catastrophic humanitarian situation where people need “medication” and are subjected to “torture, beatings and sexual violence.” The collapse of security and the inability of aid agencies to reach those in need represent a failure in managing a national health crisis, which this target aims to address.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  
  Explanation: The article explicitly states that displaced people who have fled to camps are in need of “clean water,” indicating a lack of access to this basic necessity, which is the core focus of this target.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  
  Explanation: The article is centered on the consequences of a civil war, detailing “ongoing violence and killings,” “mass executions,” “torture, beatings and sexual violence,” and “ethnic violence.” These descriptions directly relate to the forms of violence this target seeks to reduce.
• Target 16.A: Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, to build capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.
  
  Explanation: The failure of a “roadmap by mediators” to produce a ceasefire and the inability of Sudanese armed forces to protect civilians demonstrate a collapse of institutional capacity to prevent violence. The call by international actors for the warring parties to stop the violence and allow aid highlights the need for international cooperation to restore peace and security.

Mentioned or Implied Indicators

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Indicator (Implied): Number of people requiring humanitarian food assistance.
  
  Explanation: The article states that “Millions of people across war-ravaged Sudan… remain in dire need of humanitarian aid” and that displaced people “are in need of food.” This points to the number of people facing food insecurity as a key measure of the problem.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Indicator (Implied): Access to essential medicines and healthcare in conflict zones.
  
  Explanation: The mention that displaced people are in need of “medication” implies that a key indicator is the availability and accessibility of medical supplies for the affected population.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Indicator (Implied): Proportion of the population with access to safely managed drinking water services.
  
  Explanation: The specific mention of the need for “clean water” among the displaced population serves as a direct, qualitative indicator of the lack of access to safe drinking water.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Indicator 16.1.1 (Implied): Number of victims of intentional homicide.
  
  Explanation: The article’s references to “mass executions,” “killings,” and “slaughter by RSF fighters” directly imply the occurrence of intentional homicides, which this indicator measures.
• Indicator 16.1.2 (Implied): Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population.
  
  Explanation: The entire article describes a civil war with widespread violence and killings, such as the “massacre of Masalit people.” These events are direct measures of conflict-related deaths.
• Indicator (Implied): Number of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
  
  Explanation: The article provides specific, though estimated, numbers of displaced people: “Tens of thousands of civilians are still believed to be trapped,” “thousands more are unaccounted for,” and “up to 15,000 people are believed to be stuck.” This directly measures the scale of displacement due to conflict.

Summary of Findings

Source: aljazeera.com