The ghostly outskirts of El Geneina are now devoid of any inhabitants, but the empty buildings still stand as a testament to the shocking stories they hold. Charred homes and shops, peppered with bullet holes, stand as a stark reminder of the violence that once ravaged this area. Rusting Sudanese army tanks line the streets, serving as a haunting reminder of the turmoil that unfolded here.
The UN’s new relief chief, Tom Fletcher, described his visit to El Geneina as utterly chilling. It marked the first time a senior UN official had been able to visit the area since Sudan’s brutal war erupted 19 months ago. Fletcher described the crisis in Darfur as one of protection, with an epidemic of sexual violence and the looming threat of famine.
The violence in El Geneina was particularly brutal, with reports of ethnic cleansing, possible war crimes, and even genocide. Both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been accused of atrocities, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
During a visit to El Geneina, displaced residents shared their harrowing stories of loss and survival. Many had to flee their homes in the dead of night, leaving behind loved ones who had been killed in the violence. The community in El Geneina expressed their desperate need for assistance, highlighting the lack of basic necessities like food, water, and schools.
NGOs working in Darfur expressed their frustration with the UN’s response to the crisis, noting that more needs to be done to address the immense suffering in the region. The fear of famine looms large, with the Famine Review Committee declaring a famine in one part of the Zamzam displacement camp and warning of more areas on the brink.
Despite the challenges, Fletcher remains hopeful that progress is being made in providing aid to those in need. His visit to Sudan and its neighbors highlighted the urgent need for international support to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur.