By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Medics have reported that thirteen children died last month in a displacement camp in East Darfur, Sudan, due to severe food shortages. The Sudan Doctors Network described the “deteriorating humanitarian conditions” and widespread malnutrition at the Lagawa camp, which is home to at least 7,000 people and has been subjected to attacks. This hunger crisis is a result of the ongoing civil war, which has crippled humanitarian networks and caused a collapse of the economy and social services. In addition to the famine, aid groups have warned of a cholera outbreak in Darfur, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.
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Sudan war: Medics say more than a dozen children in Darfur camp have died because of food shortages. This is the heart of the matter, a stark and tragic reality emerging from the ongoing conflict. It highlights the devastating consequences of the war on the most vulnerable, children, who are facing starvation and its deadly outcomes. The news underscores the critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan.
The scale of the suffering is staggering. While the initial reports focus on the children in Darfur, it’s suggested that the situation is far more widespread. Some reports mention that hundreds of thousands of children are acutely malnourished across Sudan, and thousands are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, meaning their lives are in immediate danger. This points to a systemic failure to provide basic necessities like food and healthcare, exacerbated by the fighting that disrupts supply chains and prevents aid from reaching those who need it most.
The lack of widespread coverage for the conflict is a recurring theme in the discussion. Why is this so? It seems that the world’s attention is easily captured by certain narratives, particularly those involving specific geopolitical players or perceived injustices. When conflicts are happening in regions with less media presence, they often fade from the public consciousness, leaving those suffering to fend for themselves.
There’s a sense that the focus of the West shifts based on various factors. Conflicts in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict, often framed in terms of “white vs white” or “white vs brown” struggles, receive more attention, and this could be partially to do with geopolitical connections and media interests. The Sudanese conflict, framed as “brown vs brown”, struggles to gain the same level of traction. This is not to say that suffering is measured by race, but the contrast is clear.
Several factors might contribute to this disparity in attention. The complexity of the conflict in Sudan, with its numerous factions and shifting alliances, could make it harder for the average person to understand. It is also very difficult to determine a “good guy” or “bad guy.” This makes it less appealing for media outlets seeking simple narratives. Furthermore, there are powerful regional actors and international interests involved, some of whom actively shape the narrative, while others may have an interest in keeping the situation out of the limelight.
The lack of media attention also brings up a more critical view. The claim that the West has “given up” on Africa. Perhaps this is true. It’s easy to see how ongoing challenges and seemingly intractable problems can lead to a sense of disillusionment. However, the opposite seems to be the case: Western interests in African resources, from minerals to oil, remain high. The West’s engagement in African conflicts is often more complex, involving military bases, weapons sales, and indirect support for various factions. This is where the story of underreporting connects to a bigger picture.
While the West’s involvement can be seen as fueling conflicts, the blame shouldn’t be placed on a single entity. The situation in Sudan is complex, with various internal and external factors at play. The conflict’s origins are rooted in political, ethnic, and economic tensions. The war has also been fueled by external actors, including Russia and other countries, who have been taking sides in the conflict.
The war’s impact on civilians is immense. With food shortages and displacement, the country has been left in crisis, and with the loss of innocent lives. The immediate focus should be on providing humanitarian aid to those affected. This includes food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. However, a sustainable solution requires addressing the root causes of the conflict. This means supporting peace negotiations, holding those responsible for human rights abuses accountable, and investing in long-term development and stability.