Pope Francis Condemns “Worst Humanitarian Crisis in the World” in Sudan

Pope Francis condemned on Sunday what he described as “the worst humanitarian crisis in the world” ravaging Sudan, which has been torn apart by war since April 2023, with repercussions also impacting neighboring South Sudan.

According to AFP, the Holy Father stated after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, “The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in February 2023, has caused the worst humanitarian crisis in the world, with tragic consequences for South Sudan as well.”

He continued, “I feel for the people of both countries and urge them to embrace brotherhood, solidarity, and to avoid violence in all its forms,” calling on “the warring sides in Sudan to cease fighting and sit at the negotiating table.”

The Pope added, “I appeal to the international community to do everything possible to deliver the necessary humanitarian aid to the displaced and to assist the warring factions in swiftly choosing the path of peace.”

Since April 2023, Sudan has witnessed a brutal conflict between the army led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemetti.”

The war has so far led to tens of thousands of deaths, while more than 12 million people have been displaced, and millions are on the brink of starvation, making it the worst displacement crisis in the world, according to the United Nations.

Both sides of the conflict face accusations of committing war crimes, particularly targeting civilians, launching indiscriminate bombings on homes, markets, and hospitals, and obstructing the delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid.