As the conflict in Sudan rages on, warring factions are resorting to economic sabotage, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the country. The destruction of crucial economic infrastructure, including telecommunication masts and transportation routes, has left many regions isolated and cut off from vital services. This shift towards sabotage marks a troubling evolution of the conflict, with rival factions now seeking to undermine each other’s economic interests.
The disruption of telecommunications services, particularly in areas like Port Sudan and conflict-prone cities, has paralyzed banking activities and hindered money transfers essential for families’ survival. Both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (Saf) have been accused of contributing to the destruction of telecom infrastructure, leading to mutual accusations and a blackout of events in conflict zones. The conflict’s impact on Sudan’s economy is further compounded by disruptions to digital banking applications and the widespread unavailability of communication networks.
Humanitarian agencies warn of the devastating consequences of the conflict, with millions of Sudanese facing hunger and malnutrition. The war has displaced over six million people within the country, including half of whom are children, making it the largest displacement of children globally. Despite the staggering scale of the crisis, international attention and support remain insufficient, exacerbating the suffering of those affected by the conflict.
In response to the escalating crisis, the United Nations has launched an appeal for $4.1 billion to address Sudan’s humanitarian needs and provide support to refugees in neighboring countries. Additionally, a bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a bill classifying the actions of RSF and allied militias in Darfur as genocide, calling for urgent measures to protect civilians and establish mechanisms to document atrocities. The conflict’s genocidal actions underscore the urgent need for international intervention to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and bring an end to the suffering in Sudan.