A Wake-Up Call from Khartoum

Feel It
Haffiya Elyas
hafielyas@yahoo.com

The visit of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Special Envoy, Derk Segaar, to Khartoum was more than a diplomatic engagement—it was a powerful reminder of a humanitarian crisis the world can no longer afford to overlook.

After touring displacement shelters, mobile health clinics, environmental sanitation campaigns, and emergency preparedness activities, Segaar spoke with unusual candor. He admitted he was shocked by the scale of destruction and human suffering caused by the war and expressed regret that Sudan’s crisis has not received the international attention it deserves.

His words matter because they come from someone who witnessed the reality firsthand. Beyond the damaged buildings lies a deeper story: thousands of volunteers and humanitarian workers continue to serve communities despite insecurity, limited resources, and overwhelming needs. Their resilience stands in sharp contrast to the world’s limited response.

The Sudanese Red Crescent has demonstrated that humanitarian commitment does not stop when conflict begins. From delivering healthcare and relief assistance to supporting displaced families, promoting public health, and preparing for seasonal emergencies, the organization has remained a lifeline for vulnerable communities.

Yet sympathy alone cannot ease suffering. Sudan needs sustained international action, increased humanitarian funding, and stronger partnerships that empower national institutions already working on the front lines.
Segaar pledged to carry the true image of Sudan’s humanitarian reality back to the international community. The hope now is that this testimony will inspire more than concern—it should inspire action.

The people of Sudan do not need the world to be shocked. They need the world to respond.