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The United Nations has warned that nearly three years of conflict have pushed the people of Sudan through “hell,” with funds intended for humanitarian aid instead being spent on advanced weaponry.
UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk, speaking in Port Sudan during his first visit to a war-affected area, described the population’s experience as “horror and hell” and called it “despicable” that funds meant to ease civilian suffering were spent on weapons, particularly drones.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leaving tens of thousands dead and around 11 million displaced.
The UN reports that more than 21 million people are facing acute food insecurity, with two-thirds of the population urgently needing humanitarian assistance.
Turk also highlighted the militarisation of Sudanese society, noting the recruitment of child soldiers and the arming of civilians.
He said testimonies from survivors of attacks in Darfur described “unbearable” atrocities and warned of similar crimes unfolding in the Kordofan region, which is currently the epicentre of the conflict.
The commissioner called on commanders and external actors funding and arming the warring sides to hear these testimonies and take responsibility.
The RSF is reportedly believed to receive support from the United Arab Emirates, while the army has backing from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and, reportedly, Iran and Turkey.
Mediation efforts have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, even after reports of mass killings, rapes, and abductions in El-Fasher last year sparked international outrage.
Turk said the repeated attacks on civilian infrastructure could constitute war crimes and urged both sides to halt assaults on markets, schools, health facilities, and shelters.
He also warned that similar atrocities could occur in Kordofan, where the RSF has advanced, besieging several cities.
