Sudan’s Al Jazirah state faces mounting violence, with over 343,000 people displaced within a month and the emergence of a new armed group, the Al Jazirah Liberation Movement. The group has vowed to fight the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and support the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), accusing RSF fighters of atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and looting in eastern Al Jazirah.
The conflict intensified after October 20, when RSF commander Abu Aqla Keikal defected to the SAF, triggering retaliatory attacks on civilians by RSF forces. Reports indicate over 450 deaths in Al Hilaliya, a city under siege, while villages like Al Tomsa have suffered devastating assaults, including one on Thursday that killed 14 civilians, among them a three-year-old child.
In its first statement, the Al Jazirah Liberation Movement called on young people to join its ranks, pledging to seek justice for victims and reclaim their land. “The bloodshed in Al Hilaliya will only strengthen our determination to hold perpetrators accountable,” the group declared. However, its formation has sparked debate, with observers questioning whether another armed faction will escalate the already complex war.
Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
The violence has plunged Al Jazirah into a humanitarian crisis. The UN described the situation as “critical,” with displaced families arriving in neighboring regions like Gedaref and Kassala with no resources after days of walking. Many are exposed to harsh conditions without proper shelter, food, or medical care.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported rising cholera cases in Gedaref, linked to poor sanitation and the influx of displaced people. Emergency aid is underway, but resources are stretched thin, with urgent needs including tents, mattresses, heaters, food, and medicine.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged the international community to act swiftly. “The displaced population faces immense hardships. Immediate support is needed to prevent an even greater catastrophe,” he said.
Broader Implications for Sudan
The Al Jazirah conflict underscores Sudan’s worsening crisis, part of a broader war between the SAF and RSF that began in April. Millions have been displaced across the country, with acute shortages of food and essential supplies exacerbating the suffering.
As Al Jazirah Liberation Movement aligns itself with SAF, questions remain about its impact on the already devastating war. Meanwhile, the relentless RSF attacks continue to drive displacement, destabilizing the region and worsening Sudan’s humanitarian plight.
