Sudan’s Overlooked Genocide: A Humanitarian Catastrophe Ignored

As discussions intensify over allegations of genocide in Gaza, another catastrophic crisis unfolds in Sudan—one that receives bipartisan recognition in the United States as genocide, yet remains largely overlooked.

Sudan currently faces what is likely the world’s most severe humanitarian emergency. With famine officially declared last year, the United Nations estimates that approximately 25 million Sudanese are enduring acute hunger. Additionally, over 12 million people have been displaced due to ongoing civil conflict. A former U.S. special envoy to Sudan estimates that the death toll has surpassed 400,000.

Both the Biden and previous Trump administrations have formally recognized the violence in Sudan as genocide. Despite this bipartisan consensus, effective intervention has been minimal. In fact, recent aid reductions threaten to exacerbate the famine, further endangering vulnerable populations, including children.

While the crisis in Gaza commands significant international scrutiny and criticism, it is crucial to acknowledge the concurrent tragedy in Sudan, which has resulted in an even greater loss of life. Addressing one should not detract from the other; there is a moral imperative to respond to both with equal urgency.

This lack of decisive action is not limited to the United States. Regional actors in Africa and the Arab world have often contributed to worsening the situation rather than alleviating it. Moreover, despite the United Nations’ 2005 declaration of a “responsibility to protect” civilians facing atrocities, this principle has yet to translate into meaningful intervention in Sudan.