Cholera Outbreak Exacerbates Sudan’s War-Torn Crisis

CAIRO — The ongoing war in Sudan has taken a devastating turn as a cholera outbreak spreads across the war-torn nation, claiming the lives of at least 388 people and sickening over 13,000 others in the past two months. The grim news comes as the conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) enters its 18th month with no signs of slowing down.

The disease is spreading rapidly in areas ravaged by recent heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in eastern Sudan, where millions of displaced people are seeking refuge. The Health Ministry reported six cholera deaths and approximately 400 new cases over the weekend alone. The outbreak has been detected in 10 of Sudan’s 18 provinces, with the eastern provinces of Kassala and al-Qadarif suffering the most severe impact.

Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection, causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, potentially leading to death within hours if left untreated. The disease is contracted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Sudan has a history of cholera outbreaks, with a previous major outbreak in 2017 resulting in over 700 deaths and 22,000 cases.

The current conflict, which began in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into chaos, wreaking havoc on its infrastructure and economy. The fighting, marked by widespread atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings, has been condemned by the United Nations and international rights groups as war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The conflict has claimed the lives of at least 20,000 people and injured tens of thousands more, according to the United Nations. Rights groups and activists estimate the true death toll to be significantly higher. The war has also created the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing over 13 million people to flee their homes, including over 2.3 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

The devastating floods and cholera outbreak have compounded the suffering of the Sudanese people. The Health Ministry reported at least 225 deaths and 900 injuries due to the floods, which have washed away critical infrastructure and damaged or destroyed over 76,000 homes.

In July, famine was declared in the Zamzam camp for displaced persons near North Darfur’s capital, al-Fasher. Global experts warned that over 25.6 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, will face acute hunger this year.

Meanwhile, the fighting continues in al-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur under military control. The RSF has been attempting to retake the city since the beginning of the year. Last week, the paramilitary force and allied Arab militias launched a new attack on the city, which was repelled by the military, aided by rebel groups. The military claimed to have killed hundreds of RSF fighters, including two senior commanders.