Sudan (MNN) — In the midst of many global headlines and international tensions, remember Sudan. It’s been in a spiraling humanitarian crisis since war broke out between the Sudanese army and a rebel group. That was nearly 18 months ago.
Despite months of alarms and warnings from international relief agencies about food insecurity in Sudan, Sudan is at a new level of crisis today. In August, famine conditions were confirmed in North Darfur State. Recent flooding has led to a cholera outbreak on top of that.
But famine remains a sensitive word.
“I think the political situation is so tense for all the sides, especially for the government, that they don’t want to have that term officially being used,” says Johan Grobler with MegaVoice.
Aid officials say the government-led army won’t allow most food convoys to cross into rebel-controlled areas, and UN officials aren’t confronting the government about it.
Meanwhile, according to OCHA, nearly 5 million children, pregnant women and nursing mothers are acutely malnourished. That’s 10% of Sudan’s population. More than 100 people are estimated to be dying each day of starvation, according to the UK’s Africa minister, Ray Collins, in September.
(Photo courtesy of Michael Starkie/Unsplash)
Grobler describes what happens in man-made disasters like this.
“[It] is when people make decisions that [are] impacting [a] large number of people negatively, where they can’t continue with their normal lives,” he says.
“Schools stop, normal life where people do business [and] agriculture stop. Even normal people selling things can’t continue. They can’t get [un]stuck. So eventually their businesses fall apart, and they can’t play their part in the economy to keep it going. The whole economy falls flat.”
In the midst of these grim realities facing Sudan, MegaVoice seeks to provide solar-powered audio Bibles coupled with practical help.
“It’s not as if it’s only a single solution [to the crisis]. That’s why we partner with organizations like World Vision, providing food, but then also the Word of God. Also material like Farming God’s Way to help the farmers to become more efficient. Medical information [such as] how [to] treat children’s diseases,” Grobler says.
No matter what, Sudan will be in need of long-term prayer and support. Pray for wisdom for MegaVoice staff, for peace for Sudan’s people. Consider partnering with MegaVoice at megavoiceinternational.org
Header photo of Khartoum, Sudan courtesy of Ammar Nassir via Unsplash.
