On April 15, 2023, violent conflict broke out in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), under the command of Lieutenant General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. This devastating confrontation resulted in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of casualties.

Both Al-Burhan and Dagalo have been pivotal figures in Sudan's military landscape, with significant influence in the Darfur conflict that began in 2003. Dagalo was the commander of the Janjaweed, a militia implicated in the genocide in Darfur. He carried out these horrific acts of violence with military backing from Al-Burhan and the then-president Omar Al Bashir, contributing to a humanitarian crisis across Sudan and particularly in Darfur, and Chad.

The escalation of violence under their leadership signifies a continuation of past patterns of atrocities and brings into sharp relief the dire humanitarian situation that prevails in Sudan. The situation requires urgent attention from the global community to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, promote peace, stability, and justice in the region.

Immediate needs in Sudan and surrounding regions include access to clean water, sanitation, food, shelter, healthcare, and essential relief items. Relocation from border areas presents significant logistical and financial hurdles, with the rainy season exacerbating these challenges.

A priority is aiding local authorities in registering new arrivals, many of whom are unaccompanied women and children, and identifying those at heightened risk for targeted aid. Addressing gender-based violence, risks of trafficking and sexual exploitation are very important. Efforts will also focus on education, livelihood support, and medical attention.