By Kelvin Wilson Kasiwulaya
Connect Stories -Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora has called for renewed international efforts to end Sudan’s brutal civil war as the conflict marked its third anniversary on Wednesday, describing it as a descent into “unimaginable and indescribable cruelty” against civilians.
In a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Neale Richmond highlighted the devastating toll of the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted on April 15, 2023.
“Tens of thousands of people have been killed, with many more experiencing life-changing injury – both physical and mental – which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Minister Richmond said.
The war has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, displacing around 14 million people inside Sudan and beyond its borders, according to UN figures, while leaving millions facing acute hunger and a collapsed health system.
Minister Richmond condemned widespread violations of international law documented by the United Nations, including the killing of civilians, indiscriminate attacks on populated areas, arbitrary detention, torture, and the systematic use of sexual violence against women and girls.
He noted that a recent UN fact-finding mission found attacks by the RSF in and around El Fasher bore the hallmarks of genocide, targeting non-Arab communities. Both sides have committed war crimes, he added.
“Irish Aid has contributed real and tangible support for people living through this brutal war” through partnerships with the UN and aid agencies, the minister said. Humanitarian workers continue life-saving efforts despite facing threats and attacks.
As the conflict enters its fourth year, Minister Richmond urged the international community to re-engage urgently to secure a comprehensive ceasefire, back the International Criminal Court’s investigations into crimes against civilians, and ensure the safety of aid workers.
He is attending a conference in Berlin today with European and other partners to discuss the response to the crisis, where Ireland will push for stronger global engagement.
“The war in Sudan has been repeatedly raised in the Dáil by Government and Opposition TDs alike,” Minister Richmond said.The anniversary, he added, should serve as “a moment for the world to recommit to ensuring it is brought to a stop.”
The statement comes amid ongoing fighting, with recent UN reports highlighting intensified violence, including drone strikes that have killed hundreds of civilians in 2026 alone, and persistent challenges in delivering aid.
Ireland has provided significant humanitarian funding for the Sudan response in recent years, including support focused on protecting women and girls from gender-based violence.