Sudanese Community in Donegal (SUDOCO) to hold vigil for Sudan in Letterkenny

Sudanese Community in Donegal (SUDOCO) will hold a vigil in Letterkenny for the millions of people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

The vigil will be held next Saturday, August 23, from 4-5pm in Letterkenny Market Square.

The group, headed by chairperson Thoiba Ahmed, is warning that Sudan is collapsing under the weight of war, famine, and disease.

“Over 25 million people face food insecurity,” said a spokesperson. “More than 12 million have been displaced, and 150,000 lives have already been lost. Families are uprooted, children are starving, and hospitals are overwhelmed. Without urgent global action, the death toll will rise.

“Sudan’s health system is in freefall. Cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and measles are spreading rapidly. There are 99,700 suspected cholera cases, 2,470 deaths nationwide and 640,000 children under five are at extreme risk. Hospitals are operating beyond capacity, with some treating triple their limits.

“Famine has taken hold in North Darfur and 17 other regions. Some 13.6 per cent of the population suffers from acute malnutrition and 4.9 million children and pregnant women are battling hunger. Families survive on animal fodder and food waste. Access to clean water has dropped to three litres per person per day in some areas.

“Sudan’s children are paying the highest price. Some 3.2 million children under five are projected to suffer acute malnutrition. Over 60 deaths from malnutrition were recorded in El- Fasher in one week

“Vaccination campaigns are failing, and preventable diseases are surging. 17 million children are out of school, facing trauma and hunger.

“Humanitarian organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and Doctors Without Borders are working tirelessly, but resources are stretched thin. The UN’s $4.16 billion humanitarian plan is only 23 per cent funded and UNICEF needs $30.6 million for cholera response. Aid convoys are being looted or blocked, and roads are impassable.

“The cost of ignoring Sudan’s crisis is prolonged suffering - famine, disease, and displacement; underfunded aid - critical shortages in medical and food supplies; skyrocketing mortality - children dying daily from preventable causes; political chaos - instability and violence are escalating, and a lost future - education, health, and safety are vanishing for millions.

“Sudan’s crisis is the largest humanitarian disaster in the world today. The international community must act now. Share on social media to amplify the message. Talk to friends and family to spread the word. Raise public consciousness about the crisis - keep Sudan in the public eye.

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“Donate to trusted organizations, such as: MSF (Doctors Without Borders), World Food Programme (WFP) and Concern Worldwide. The crisis in Sudan is immense, but together, we can make a difference.”

To get in touch, contact: Donlesudanese@gmail.com

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