South Sudanese refugees return © UNHCR/E.Denholm
Sudan Context
Sudan, the largest country in Africa, has been blighted by civil war for most of its history as an independent country. After emerging from over 20 years of conflict between the mainly Muslim north and the Animist and Christian south, fighting erupted in the western region of Darfur in 2003.
The UN estimates that the ongoing violence has claimed the lives of 2 million people, led to the displacement of four million and that approximately 600,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.
Much of the country’s infrastructure has been destroyed by the conflict. Added to this, Sudan is exposed to periods of extreme flooding and drought each year.
The situation in Darfur
In Darfur, the UN says that the conflict has left more than 200,000 dead, forced over 2 million people to flee their homes and continues to directly impact on civilians in Darfur.
The South Sudan Peace Agreement was signed in 2005, but since then widespread insecurity has intensified.
Increasing attacks on relief workers and their assets in the region mean that national and international aid agencies are often prevented from reaching the 2.6 million people, who each month rely on the UN World Food Programme to survive.
The Humanitarian Need
The predictions are that even if a lasting resolution to the conflict is achieved, the people of Darfur will continue to remain vulnerable and dependent on humanitarian assistance for several years to come.
In 2008, some 317,000 people were newly displaced, often for the second or third time since the conflict started. Humanitarian efforts to provide aid to the displaced population, as well as an estimated 2 million South Sudanese residents who are directly affected by the conflict, are hampered by increasing attacks on relief workers.
For all but 11 of 48 years since gaining its independence in 1956, Sudan has been engulfed in civil conflict. The Sudanese people have paid a high price. More 2 million people dead, 4 million uprooted and some 600,000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.
The United Nations Mission in Sudan
Sudan Country Facts
Full name: Republic of Sudan
Population: 39,4 million (UN, 2008)
Capital: Khartoum
Area: 2.5 million sq km (966,757 sq miles)
Major languages: Arabic; Nubian, others
Major religions: Islam, Christianity
Monetary unit: Sudanese dinar
For up to date country information and news about Sudan visit Reliefweb.
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