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Taqaddum Warns of ‘Catastrophic’ Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Internally displaced Muslim devotees wait to break their fast at a courtyard during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gedaref on March 13, 2024. (AFP)
Internally displaced Muslim devotees wait to break their fast at a courtyard during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gedaref on March 13, 2024. (AFP)
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Taqaddum Warns of ‘Catastrophic’ Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Internally displaced Muslim devotees wait to break their fast at a courtyard during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gedaref on March 13, 2024. (AFP)
Internally displaced Muslim devotees wait to break their fast at a courtyard during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Gedaref on March 13, 2024. (AFP)

The Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum) appealed for the international community to urgently intervene to aid the people caught in the fighting between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

It called on it to agree on routes to deliver humanitarian aid to all affected regions in the country.

Headed by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, Taqaddum met overnight on Saturday to discuss the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the ongoing war that erupted on April 15.

It also addressed the weak international response to the humanitarian crisis.

Hamdok underscored the importance of humanitarian assistance and the impact of the war on Sudanese people inside the country and abroad.

Taqaddum called on the warring parties to guarantee the delivery of aid. The gatherers agreed to form a platform to coordinate the humanitarian response, attract foreign support and draw the world's attention to the catastrophe in Sudan.

Taqaddum is expected to issue a "joint appeal" that sets the operational steps to confront the humanitarian crisis and unite international efforts to support the Sudanese people during the crisis.

Taqaddum member Khaled Omar Youssef described the humanitarian situation in Sudan as "catastrophic", warning that famine is imminent if the war continues.

The meeting stressed the importance of the formation of a broad team that would coordinate efforts, urge the international community to provide humanitarian aid and remove the obstacles that are hindering relief efforts.

He warned that the war has "divided the Sudanese people in an unprecedented way".

Millions of people are paying the price, but the humanitarian crisis and its impact must not be sources of division and differences, he declared.

International and regional efforts on Sudan are focusing on addressing the humanitarian file and reaching a ceasefire between the army and RSF.

The army had previously approved the delivery of aid, but limited the routes for their delivery through airports, marine ports and land borders in regions held under its control.

Meanwhile, the RSF, which holds four major states in Darfur and Al-Jazirah, has demanded the delivery of aid to regions under its control through an agreement between relevant parties and international organizations.

The army has been accused of obstructing the delivery of aid to hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped in conflict zones in Darfur and the capital Khartoum.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned last week that almost 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity - the highest number ever recorded during a harvest season.

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Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
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Iraq Braces for Economic Fallout from Heavy Reliance on Iran amid Escalating Conflict

An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 
An Iraqi man bakes traditional bread at a bakery in Baghdad (EPA). 

As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Iraq is nervously eyeing the potential fallout from a conflict that could have deep and lasting consequences for the country.

While Iraqi authorities and political parties maintain a publicly cautious and reserved stance, behind closed doors, concerns are mounting over what many see as Iraq’s overreliance on Iran in critical sectors such as energy and trade.

A political source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat revealed that, although officials are holding back from public commentary, there is a growing consensus among political actors that Iraq could face significant disruption regardless of how the conflict unfolds. “There’s an unspoken recognition that many things will change after this war,” the source said.

Already, early signs of strain are surfacing. Iraq’s Ministry of Trade unveiled a new contingency plan this week to safeguard food security amid fears of disrupted supply chains.

Spokesperson Mohammed Hanoun stated the plan aims to “ensure continuity of essential supplies without significant price hikes,” through the buildup of strategic reserves and strengthened market oversight to prevent hoarding or price manipulation.

Security services, meanwhile, reported the arrest of 660 individuals accused of exploiting regional instability. More visibly, daily life is beginning to feel the pressure: consumer activity is slowing, prices of some goods are creeping up, and travel logistics have grown more complex.

With Baghdad International Airport temporarily closed, Basra has become the only functional air entry point. According to sources, the cost of returning to Iraq by land via Jordan has soared from $70 to $250 per passenger.

Experts warn that Iraq’s economic fragility and its deep entanglement with Iran leave it acutely vulnerable. Dr. Siham Youssef, a professor of international economics, explained that Iraq’s heavy dependence on oil exports - comprising over 90% of state revenue - offers little cushion in times of geopolitical upheaval.

While global oil prices have risen by 8% to 12%, Youssef cautioned that any benefit could be wiped out by rising transportation costs, insurance premiums, or damage to infrastructure.

Compounding the issue is Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas for electricity production. If the conflict interrupts Iranian gas flows, Iraq may face severe power shortages, rising costs, and mounting pressure on an already stretched budget.

Shipping risks are also increasing, with Iraq’s ports located dangerously close to potential conflict zones. Youssef noted that international shipping and insurance firms may soon classify Iraqi ports as “high-risk,” leading to surging logistics costs. Additionally, the closure of Iraqi airspace threatens not only civil aviation but also the loss of overflight revenues.