Satellite view of Sudan showing affected regions

The Civil War and Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Updated: June 2025

World's Largest Displacement Crisis - 12M+ Displaced

Displaced Sudanese gather at a camp near the town of Tawila in North Darfur [AFP]

Overview of the Crisis

Since April 2023, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has escalated into a full-scale civil war, driving Sudan into one of the worst humanitarian emergencies globally. With tens of thousands killed, over 12 million displaced within Sudan, and more than 3.5 million refugees, this conflict has triggered the world's largest displacement crisis.

The Roots of the Situation

This devastating conflict stems from a series of political upheavals and power struggles:

2019 Revolution & Transitional Shift

Protests ousted longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir, leading to a transitional government shared between civilian and military leaders.

October 2021 Coup

Military leaders—including SAF's Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Gen. Mohamed Hamdan 'Hemedti' Dagalo—overthrew the transitional government, derailing democratic progress.

Power Struggle Ignites War

Long-standing tensions over integrating the RSF into the national army erupted into open conflict when battles broke out in Khartoum and spread nationwide.

The Current Humanitarian Impact

Displacement

Over 12 million internally displaced, with 3.5 million+ refugees in neighboring countries (Chad, South Sudan, CAR). Zamzam Camp, for example, houses ~500,000 displaced people and faces famine-like conditions.

Famine & Acute Malnutrition

Famine has been officially declared in several parts of North Darfur, with 24.6 million people across Sudan facing acute food insecurity. Conflict has destroyed farms and disrupted markets, forcing many to survive on wild plants.

Healthcare Collapse

Over 70% of hospitals in conflict areas are non-functional. In January 2025, a drone strike on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital in El Fasher killed around 70 people, including patients and health staff.

WHO has reported 156 verified attacks on healthcare facilities over the past two years.

We had a farm… Now we line up for hours for a small portion of food, and we don't know if there will be any left tomorrow.
— Displaced woman, Darfur camp

International Response & Challenges

Humanitarian Access Blocked: Aid convoys are routinely halted by fighting, checkpoints, and violence targeting workers. Funding Gaps: The UN's $6 billion appeal for 2025 is far from fully funded, severely limiting aid delivery.

Ceasefire Failures: Temporary truces (e.g., El Fasher pause) have been brokered but often collapse amid ongoing hostilities.

We have the food, but we cannot get it to the people who need it most. The doors are being shut on us.
— WFP official

Urgent Priorities

To avert further disaster, humanitarian relief efforts urgently need:

Enforced Ceasefire: An immediate and sustained halt to hostilities to enable humanitarian operations.
Safe, Unhindered Aid Access: Secure corridors for humanitarian workers and supply delivery.
Massive Food Aid Distributions: Emergency food assistance to combat famine conditions.
Healthcare Infrastructure: Rescuing and restoring health facilities under attack.
Water, Sanitation & Disease Control: Access to clean water and prevention of epidemic diseases.
Enhanced Civilian Protection: Especially for displaced women and children in camps.