Sudanese Paramilitary Group's Assault Claims Over 200 Lives Amid Rising Violence

A recent analysis highlights the systematic exclusion of Sudanese women’s experiences in narratives surrounding the ongoing war in Sudan. According to research by Aida Abbashar, traditional war narratives often prioritize male perspectives, disregarding the significant roles women play in resistance and humanitarian efforts. This exclusion not only reinforces patriarchal structures but also affects policy-making and post-war reconstruction initiatives, leaving women's contributions overlooked. The conflict, which began in April 2023, is primarily a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Despite their crucial presence in protests and civil society movements throughout Sudan’s history, women remain marginalized in governance and decision-making roles, even in post-conflict settings. Scholars argue that acknowledging women’s agency and contributions is essential for effective governance and rebuilding efforts in post-war Sudan. The ongoing war puts women at heightened risk of violence and displacement, further complicating their already precarious status. For sustainable peace, their voices must be included in both historical documentation and forthcoming political frameworks, as suggested by experts in feminist and postcolonial studies.

The suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid has resulted in the closure of nearly 80% of emergency food kitchens in Sudan, affecting over two million people, according to the BBC. This drastic measure followed President Donald Trump's executive order, which paused contributions from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for 90 days to assess their alignment with U.S. interests. The ongoing conflict between Sudan's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has caused widespread devastation since its eruption in April 2023, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. The communal kitchens, crucial for feeding the destitute, have been a lifeline during this crisis, often struggling for funding amidst increased demand. Duaa Tariq, an organizer of the emergency kitchens, reported that many are now unprepared to provide food as the situation worsens. While the U.S. State Department has issued a waiver for emergency food assistance, confusion persists about funding logistics, which had previously relied heavily on USAID contributions. Experts caution that without a swift resolution, the humanitarian situation in Sudan is likely to deteriorate further.

Paramilitary forces led by former Vice President General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have reportedly killed hundreds of people in a three-day span in Sudan. According to the organization Emergency Lawyers, the attacks occurred in the White Nile State. The UN Human Rights Office has also indicated that the Sudanese Armed Forces are committing serious crimes amidst the ongoing power struggle in the country. Emergency Lawyers labeled the assault by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the unarmed residents of the villages of Al-Kadaris and Al-Khelwat as a "genocidal" act. Witnesses reported that fleeing villagers were shot at while attempting to escape across the Nile River, with some drowning in the process. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry, which supports the army in this conflict, described the RSF's actions as a "horrific massacre," citing the deaths of 433 civilians, including infants. In a related report, the UN stated that both the army and the RSF are responsible for mass executions and group rapes, raising concerns about increasing ethnic tensions. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has launched a $6 billion appeal to address the humanitarian crisis, calling it "shocking in scale," according to OCHA chief Tom Fletcher.