Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR's West Africa correspondent, shares his firsthand experiences from Sudan, where war has displaced 12 million and caused 150,000 deaths. He recounts gripping stories of survival, like a family living on flour and water while hiding from violence. The podcast highlights the stark contrast between the suffering in hospitals and the resilience of healthcare workers amid chaos. Akinwotu emphasizes the lack of global attention on this humanitarian crisis, calling it a 'forgotten war' that desperately needs awareness.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has resulted in over 12 million displaced and an estimated 150,000 deaths due to ongoing conflict.
Healthcare facilities in Sudan are critically compromised, forcing doctors to perform life-saving surgeries under dire conditions amidst escalating violence.
Deep dives
The Impact of the War in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, resulting in over 12 million people being displaced and an estimated 150,000 deaths. As the world's worst displacement crisis unfolds, millions face starvation, with significant portions of the population struggling to access basic necessities. The war has turned cities into shelters for those fleeing violence, with makeshift camps springing up across regions once thought safe. The stark contrast between Sudan's rich history and cultural heritage, including the ancient pyramids, and the current destruction paints a distressing picture of ongoing devastation.
The Fragility of Civilian Government
The current war can be traced back to a coup that dismantled a promising civilian-led government formed after the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir. Following the initial optimism and hope seen during peaceful protests, the power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated, leading to a rapid descent into violence. Many Sudanese feel a sense of betrayal, as the military and RSF, which were initially seen as protectors of the revolution, have now become the perpetrators of widespread atrocities. The withdrawal of democracy has left the population vulnerable, witnessing the brutal reality of life in conflict.
The Harrowing Conditions of Healthcare
Healthcare in Sudan has been severely compromised by the ongoing conflict, with hospitals operating under extreme duress and without adequate supplies or staffing. Medical professionals, like Dr. Jamal, continue to work without salaries, often in dire conditions, performing life-saving surgeries under horrific circumstances, sometimes without anesthetics. Inside hospitals, the grim atmosphere reveals a constant influx of injured individuals, as well as those suffering from non-war-related illnesses exacerbated by starvation and lack of medication. The heartbreaking experiences of patients highlight the broader collateral damage of war, underscoring the dire need for international attention and support.
12 million displaced. As many as 150,000 dead. Half the country facing starvation. The simple truth? War is tearing apart Sudan. NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu recently reported near the heart of that fighting. Along the way, he met a young man who, with his family, survived for months on flour and water while hiding under a bed. He found doctors caring for the sick and dying even as shells exploded nearby. The current humanitarian crisis in Sudan is seen as one of the worst in the world, but has little global attention. "They forget about us," one exhausted doctor said. "It's a forgotten war."