Sudan Roundup: Health projects, 2026 FIFA World Cup, war crimes
War displacement
According to the latest figures released by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 10 million people have been displaced within war-torn Sudan, with 7.26 million fleeing their homes since the war broke out in April 2023. Sudan is facing the world's worst displacement crisis, with the UN warning of the risk of famine.
Saudi aid group launches health projects to support hospitals
Saudi aid group KSrelief inaugurated three health projects in Port Sudan on the Red Sea State in eastern Sudan to provide medical equipment to hospitals. The projects aim to benefit over 200,000 individuals and were announced in the presence of the Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali bin Hassan Jafar, as reported by Arab News.
Child rights violations
The United Nations has added Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to a blacklist for harming children in war, citing a “shocking” 21% increase in grave violations against children in 2023. The report also highlighted a 480% increase in grave violations against children in Sudan. “In 2023, violence against children in armed conflict reached extreme levels, with a shocking 21% increase in grave violations,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The annual report verified 30,705 “grave violations” committed last year in various conflict zones, including the war in Gaza.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Sudan defeated South Sudan 3-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, claiming the top spot in Group B. Walieldin Khidir, Yasir Mozamil Mohamed, and Mohamed Abdel Raman scored the goals for Sudan. South Sudan remains at the bottom of the table.
ICC seeks evidence of war crimes
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan's civil war. In a video statement, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said that people in Sudan are being attacked and killed due to the colour of their skin. The UN has warned of a strong possibility of genocide in Darfur, with reports of organised and systematic attacks on civilians. The situation is described by Khan as a "profound attack on human dignity." He added, "I believe based upon the information that we are receiving that we are on the precipice of something even worse.”
