Sudanese Manitobans worry about family facing civil war, famine as international aid dwindles

Manitobans who came to Canada from Sudan say they live in constant dread as they read about the civil war ravaging their former home, and are frustrated at how little it seems is being done to alleviate the hunger and suffering of family and friends they left behind.

Sudan has been at war since April 2023, when clashes broke out between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, crushing a planned transition to a civilian government.

After nearly a year of civil war, the UN says the humanitarian crisis in Sudan has become one of the worst in recent history. More than 10 million people have been displaced, famine is looming and there is inadequate international aid.

Reuben Garang, president of the Council of South Sudanese Community of Manitoba, says most of his relatives back home are living in displacement camps, either in South Sudan or as refugees in neighbouring countries including Uganda and Kenya. 

"It takes a toll on you emotionally because you're dealing with the news of displacement, killing and death constantly. It's very devastating." said Garang, who came to Canada in 2004 after being displaced from his home in 1987 by an earlier civil war.  

According to the UN more than a third of the Sudanese population is facing acute hunger, while 3.7 million children are suffering from malnutrition.

Garang says what's happening now is a very difficult situation for families left behind and to everyone in the diaspora.

"People who are here shoulder a lot of the burden because you have to do what you can to take care of your relatives back home, and yet they can't," he said.

The country is facing an economic crisis that is already affecting people, said Garang.

"The dollar value is up against the local currency … goods are not moving from region to region," he said.

Roads are closed, and there are environment problems like flooding, Garang said.

"People are struggling and they can't find ways out."

WATCH | Sudanese community members talk about crisis in home country:

Garang says Sudan's situation is being ignored as the international community focuses on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.