© Lindsay MackenzieCrisis in Sudan
It is increasingly clear that droughts and other disasters in times of climate change as well as distorted development patterns prevalent today (but with their roots in colonial and neo-colonial policies) are a chronic cause of this humanitarian crisis. However very violent conflicts and wars have emerged as the most important factor in the most extreme distress suffered by people. This is clearly avoidable, but the tragic reality is that in the absence of strong, well thought and continuing peace processes, actually the distress caused by conflict, civil war and war has been steadily increasing.
Describing the situation in Sudan at the beginning of 2026, a statement by the WHO dated 9 January 2026 (titled 'Sudan: 1000 days of war deepen the world's worst health and humanitarian crisis') said that 20 million people need health assistance and 20 million people desperately need food. On the whole 33.4 million people of Sudan would need humanitarian assistance in 2026 (out of a total population of about 53 million), this note said. 13.6 million persons had been displaced by the Sudan civil war at this time. This note also said that health facilities had suffered extensive damage in the course of the civil war.
Comment: As the up-tier countries suck all the air out of the news, the African continent is suffering badly from its own ongoing demise.