As the conflict in Sudan continues and triggers waves of internal and cross-border displacement, Hands of Mercy International (HoM) remains committed to staying and delivering critical support to meet the urgent needs of affected communities.

Date: 26 April 2023
Locations: Sudan, East Africa, Chad
Focus Areas: Conflict Response & Humanitarian Assistance

Despite repeated calls for ceasefires, ongoing clashes in Sudan continue to severely impact civilian populations, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and migrants. Hundreds of lives have been lost, with thousands more injured within the first weeks of the conflict.

It is estimated that tens of thousands of people have already been displaced internally across the country, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and North Kordofan. Many are now seeking safety across international borders, with significant numbers fleeing to neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan. The majority of those displaced are women and children, and the numbers are expected to rise as the crisis deepens. Projections indicate that hundreds of thousands could be forced to seek refuge in surrounding countries including Ethiopia and the Central African Republic.

Preparing for a Protracted Crisis

“Hands of Mercy International is preparing for a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Displacement caused by conflict often extends over long periods, and affected families require both immediate relief and long-term support to rebuild their lives,” said a representative of HoM.

Families forced to flee their homes face severe shortages of food, clean water, shelter, and protection. The need for coordinated and sustained humanitarian assistance is urgent.

HoM’s Commitment to Stay and Deliver

As displacement continues to affect the region, Hands of Mercy International teams remain ready and committed to responding. HoM is actively monitoring developments and working with local partners across affected areas to assess needs and deliver timely assistance.

Efforts are underway to pre-position essential supplies and scale up emergency response interventions to support newly displaced populations. HoM is prioritizing rapid response mechanisms to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive immediate aid.

“We are committed to standing with communities whose lives have been suddenly and dramatically disrupted,” the organization reiterates. “While safety remains our top priority, we are continuously adapting our operations to respond effectively to the evolving needs on the ground.”

HoM teams have taken necessary precautions to ensure staff safety, including relocating to secure areas where needed, while maintaining readiness to resume and expand operations as conditions allow.

A Call for Partnership

Hands of Mercy International calls on partners, donors, and the global community to join efforts in responding to this crisis. Collaborative action will be essential to scale up humanitarian support and provide both immediate relief and sustainable recovery for affected populations.