By Matt Underwood Starvation deaths are tragically being reported in El Fasher, Sudan, according to activists, painting a grim picture of a city besieged for over a year and a half. It’s hard to even fathom the suffering endured by the people there, a true testament to human resilience that they’ve managed to survive this long. The core of the problem, it seems, lies in the unbearable scarcity of basic necessities, particularly food.
The fact that a single sack of millet, a staple food for the local population, is now selling for a staggering 4.2 million Sudanese pounds – roughly $1,750 – speaks volumes. This astronomical price makes it effectively impossible for most people to afford food, essentially condemning them to starvation. It’s a chilling echo of the situation in other conflict zones, like Gaza, where access to basic resources is intentionally restricted, creating a humanitarian crisis.
Digging a bit deeper, the situation in El Fasher isn’t just about a lack of food; it’s deeply intertwined with a broader conflict that’s shaping the landscape of Africa. This is a proxy war, a struggle for influence and control fought between powerful nations like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey. The ultimate goal appears to be gaining access to resources and contracts within the areas controlled by the groups they support.
The consequences of these proxy wars are devastating for the people caught in the crossfire. The actors involved are only looking after their own interests and don’t care who is being hurt in the process. The war is fueled by material support, including weapons, training, and vehicles, which allows these foreign powers to gain access to resources in the areas controlled by their supported groups. This practice isn’t limited to Sudan; it’s a sadly common occurrence in many conflicts throughout Africa.
The dynamics at play are unfortunately complex. The UAE, for example, hosts a US military base, making the possibility of sanctions unlikely due to the strategic interests involved. Similarly, Turkey’s support for the government complicates matters, creating a web of alliances and dependencies that prevent swift action. It’s a harsh reality that underscores the difficulties of intervening in these situations, even when the humanitarian stakes are so high.
Beyond the political maneuvering, the humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering are also facing immense challenges. A United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was attacked last month while waiting for approval to proceed to El Fasher, highlighting the constant threat to aid workers and supplies.
Further compounding the crisis, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a key player in the conflict, are reportedly severely limiting the entry of goods into the city. Apparently, only ten donkeys carrying goods are allowed to enter El Fasher each day, severely restricting the flow of essential supplies. Even these limited supplies face scrutiny, as those carrying them are questioned and interrogated at RSF checkpoints. This deliberate restriction of aid is a cruel tactic that intensifies the suffering of the people and worsens the already dire situation.
It’s important to understand what’s at stake in this struggle for control in Africa. The potential rewards for the controlling powers are significant. They include access to valuable resources like gold, copper, uranium, and vast amounts of arable land suitable for agriculture. This is why the fighting will most likely go on.
Looking at all of this, it’s understandable to feel a sense of outrage and helplessness. To see the starvation deaths and the intentional blocking of aid is completely unacceptable. It is a clear reminder that the lives of the people of El Fasher are being exploited and disregarded in the power games of world leaders.
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on us to keep this tragedy in the public eye. We must put pressure on governments and international organizations to take action. This requires a sustained effort to highlight the suffering in El Fasher, demand accountability for the actions of the warring parties, and support efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. It’s the least we can do to address this dire situation and offer a glimmer of hope to the people of El Fasher.