Concern grows over ongoing fighting in Sudan

Africa Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security explains their position on ongoing conflicts on the continent at the 38th African Union Summit

WORLD

In his appeals for peace in the Angelus, Pope Francis prayed for countries facing violence, particularly the devasting civil war in Sudan.

By Nathan Morley

African leaders have warned against the ongoing fighting in Sudan. At the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, leaders have called for a halt to the violence and for the delivery of humanitarian aid to millions of people.

Over the last few weeks, the conflict has intensified as shelling, airstrikes and drone attacks continue to pound populated areas.

Speaking at the Ethiopia event, the UN Secretary-General described the situation as a catastrophe of staggering scale and brutality and warned that it was increasingly spilling into the wider region.

Sudan鈥檚 brutal civil war is approaching its third year, leaving a legacy of hunger, massive population displacement and chronic insecurity.

Sudanese refugees wait their turn to get drinking water from a muddy pond as water shortages and diseases resulting from contaminated water increase

In fact, some 30.4 million people 鈥� over two thirds of the total population 鈥� are in need of assistance, from health to food and other forms of humanitarian support.

The fighting has led to an economic collapse, sending the prices of food, gasoline and other basic goods spiraling, putting them beyond the reach of the average citizen.

The United Nations is currently preparing to launch a call for record funding of $4.2 billion to support aid operations in the country.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report on the situation in Sudan