The Morning Edition Blood on the ground: What’s happening in Sudan
Dec 7, 2025
Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and noted historian on authoritarianism, shares her harrowing experiences from the frontlines of Sudan’s civil war. She discusses the grim realities of a country dominated by warring militias, emphasizing the shocking impact of the U.S. withdrawal of aid. Applebaum highlights poignant encounters with a dedicated doctor and mutual-aid volunteers, illustrating the resilience amidst chaos. She warns of the regional risks posed by Sudan's instability and underlines the importance of diplomatic engagement and support for local initiatives.
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Doctor's Humble Plea Over Tiny Aid Packets
- Anne Applebaum met a young doctor in a Khartoum children's hospital who apologized for relying on tiny packets of U.S. high-energy food.
- The doctor's gratitude made Applebaum feel ashamed about how little aid was reaching starving children.
Democracy Activists Turned Emergency Responders
- Applebaum described Sudanese mutual-aid groups formed from 2019 democracy activists who now do frontline humanitarian work.
- They collect funds, deliver food, and try to replace NGOs amid the state's collapse.
Sudan's Massive, Underreported Human Toll
- Anne Applebaum reports tens of millions displaced and the highest death toll of any current war, exceeding Ukraine and Gaza combined.
- She highlights mass slaughter in Fasher where satellite images showed blood on the ground.