Sudan's New PM Faces Challenges Amid Sexual Violence, Cholera Epidemic
Sudan faces a grim situation as women and girls in Darfur endure high levels of sexual violence, with 86% of survivors reporting rape. Meanwhile, the country has sworn in Kamil Idris as its new prime minister, following a coup in 2021. The cholera epidemic in Sudan continues to worsen, with a staggering 70 deaths in just two days in Khartoum last week.
The appointment of Kamil Idris as prime minister comes after Abdalla Hamdok's predecessor, Dafallah Al-Haj Yousif, stepped down. Idris was sworn in on Saturday, marking a significant political change in the country. However, his tenure began with a tragic event - a drone attack on a hospital in El Obeid, attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which resulted in six deaths and 12 injuries.
The cholera epidemic in Sudan is a growing concern. The loss of the only mycetoma research center in the country, due to destruction, has also led to the loss of vital data. This adds to the challenges faced by the healthcare system, which is already struggling with the ongoing epidemic.
In neighboring Ethiopia, a massacre in the Amhara region on 31 March has raised alarm bells. The attack on civilians in Birakat is part of a disturbing pattern of reprisal attacks by the Ethiopian government.
Kamil Idris's appointment as Sudan's new prime minister signals a shift in the country's political landscape. However, he faces numerous challenges, including the ongoing cholera epidemic, the destruction of vital healthcare facilities, and the threat of sexual violence against women and girls in Darfur. The international community's support will be crucial in helping Sudan navigate these complex issues.
