Islamic Relief USA-Sponsored Panel Discussion Focused on Sudan Displacement and Food Insecurity

by Syed Hassan

Nelson Mandela famously said that “those who live in exile as refugees have long been sustained by hope and a prospect of a better future.”

On his namesake day on July 18, Islamic Relief USA co-sponsored a panel discussion about the humanitarian and displacement crisis in Sudan. The discussion took place at the Wilson Center on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Since the escalation in Africa’s third largest country broke out in April 2023, more than 11 million people have been displaced. Some two million Sudanese fled to other countries.

Despite its reputation as the breadbasket of Africa, about half of Sudan’s 47 million people are suffering from high levels of food insecurity. More people could die from starvation, experts warned.

Elsadig Elnour, country director at Islamic Relief Sudan, and Myadah Kaila, IRUSA’s international program coordinator, were among the panelists. Others included: Oge Onubogu, director at Africa Program; Cameron Hudson, senior fellow for Africa Programs at Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS); and Bethany Holland, associate director of Humanitarian Programs at Airlink

Panelists said the crisis in Sudan has failed to receive adequate media attention, especially when compared to crises in Gaza, Palestine, and Ukraine.

Elnour said the escalation was originally thought to be short-lived. However, it continues 16 months on. IR’s own office was looted, hampering its ability to carry out its work.

Khartoum has become a “ghost city,” and another state, Jazeria, is completely destroyed. Also, much of the Blue Nile state is “blocked.” In addition, four out of five states in the country’s Darfur region have been destroyed. People who fled the nation have gone to Egypt, Chad, and South Sudan, among others.

“It is my responsibility to respond to IDP (internally displaced people),” Elnour said. “It left a scar in my heart.”

Despite the obstacles, Elnour said, “we remain committed,” focusing on providing shelter, health services, and food.

He predicted that farmers will miss much of the agriculture season.

Elnour said the lack of banking services, a communication blackout, food being looted or diverted, along with inflation, has complicated aid delivery.

And, since so many people are taking shelter in schools, some 19 million children are missing out on receiving an education.

“All stakeholders must come together for the effort to provide safe routes,” he said. “IDPs just want to return home. They are looking for peace.”

Elnour predicted the escalation will “spill over” into neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic, Egypt, Libya, Chad, and South Sudan.

Kaila was visiting family when the escalation started, as she saw military vehicles pass by. She was surprised there was no evacuation plan set up for the 16,000 US citizens stranded in Sudan.

Fortunately, with the help of an uncle, she eventually made it to Ethiopia. She admits securing an exit is “very expensive.”

Kaila said implementation of programs and services has slowed down because of security concerns. She also talked about how IR is helping Sudanese refugees in Egypt and Chad.

Hudson said that unlike two decades ago, when the world was generally united to alleviate the crisis in Darfur, the country’s “national security apparatus” doesn’t appear to have the same level of interest.

“I think we are at a low point in our history in terms of our engagement.”

With regards to the United States’ own economic and national security interests, “Sudan does not raise to that level.”

Elnour said the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development ( IGAD) need to play much bigger roles.

“Political parties should play a bigger role in ending this crisis,” he said. “Our country has been destroyed.”

Hudson echoes his sentiments about AU.

“The AU is not leading like it used to.”

Oge said that when it comes to developing policies on addressing the crisis in Sudan, civilian votes and concerns must be taken into consideration.

Bethany said “critical gaps in road transportation,” security-related impediments, airspace restrictions, seasonal weather, and difficulty reaching urban areas have to be addressed. The extensive bureaucracy that NGOs have to navigate through also need streamlining in order for timely aid delivery to occur, she added.

Kaila called for a complete ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.

“Justice is really essential to rebuild trust.”

She called for more advocacy and donations to help the Sudanese.

To help the people of Sudan, donate now.