Sudan lions reserve running low on food amid conflict
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Salma Hossein
- . April 24, 2023
- . Update: April 24, 2023 6:08 pm
The latest conflict in Sudan started on April 15 between Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The conflict has already killed more than 400 people and injured over 3500 people. However, the fighting has also affected wildlife reserves.
The fighting between the two groups has raised fears about the lives of 25 lions and other animals in a wildlife reserve. Lions are running low on food, who usually require 5 to 10 kg of meat a day. The wildlife reserve facility is without electricity and power safety fences. Gunfires and explosions have already raised fears among people.
Sudan’s military is supporting General Abdel Fattah Burhan, head of the armed forces of Sudan. The powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces is supporting General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of a paramilitary group who was once deputy to army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
Read | Political turmoil between SAF and RSF in Sudan is more complex than it appears
Sudan Animal Rescue Center said in a statement, “Firstly, may Allah protect Sudan and the people of Sudan.” Sudan Animal Rescue Center further revealed that the situation at the sanctuary had become “critical” due to “deadly clashes between the two groups on a daily basis.”
Reportedly, the sanctuary is also struggling to get a permanent staff member. The sanctuary keeps 25 lions and other animals like camels, monkeys, as well as different kinds of birds. The sanctuary is located near a military base, which has been devastated due to the fighting.
Sudan Animal Rescue Center further said, “We are under immense pressure due to the current power outage, and our stocks of food and drink are beginning to run out. We therefore appeal to all officials and those with the ability to help with the need to intervene … as soon as possible.”
In 2019, Sudan’s military and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group removed Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir from his Presidential term. He was the President of Sudan from 1993 to 2019.
