Sudan Faces World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis After Two Years of Civil War

Sudan has entered its third year of civil war, now facing what the UN and global NGOs call the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Since fighting began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the conflict has devastated the country.

So far, tens of thousands have died. Nearly 13 million people have been displaced, including 4 million who fled to neighboring countries. Hunger and violence have spread, while aid remains limited.

Darfur Sees Rising Violence Again

Most recently, the RSF has attacked refugee camps and towns in Darfur, killing more than 400 people. The UN’s rights office confirmed at least 148 deaths, while sources reported over 400. Ground and aerial attacks have targeted El Fasher—the last major city in Darfur not under RSF control—as well as the Zamzam and Abu Shouk displacement camps.

According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, more than 400,000 people have fled the Zamzam camp in just days.

Global Inaction Criticized

International aid groups have strongly criticized the world’s response. Elise Nalbandian from Oxfam stated, “Sudan is now worse off than ever before. It’s the largest humanitarian crisis, the largest displacement crisis, the largest hunger crisis… It’s breaking all sorts of wrong records.”

Similarly, Daniel O’Malley from the Red Cross said civilians are trapped and suffering: “The sheer numbers are just mind-boggling.”

Food Shortages and Famine Spread

Nearly 25 million people—about half of Sudan’s population—do not have enough food. A famine affecting over 637,000 people has been declared in Darfur. The UN warns that the crisis is deepening by the day.

Political Breakdown and Roots of War

The war’s roots date back to 2018 when protests against dictator Omar al-Bashir led to his fall. Later, the army and RSF overthrew the civilian government in 2021, halting Sudan’s democratic transition. Power struggles between army leader Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF head Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) ignited the full-scale war.

War Crimes and Genocide Allegations

Both the RSF and the army face war crime accusations. The RSF, formed from the Janjaweed militias, carried out brutal attacks on non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur. In November 2024, a UN report documented rape, mass killings, and ethnic targeting. In January 2025, the US declared that the RSF committed genocide—Sudan’s second genocide in less than 30 years.

Foreign Involvement Adds Fuel

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been accused of supporting the RSF by sending weapons. Reports of Emirati passports found on the battlefield raise suspicions of direct involvement, though the UAE has denied these claims.

Global Response Remains Limited

Despite the crisis, Sudan has received less international attention. Leni Kinzli from the World Food Programme noted, “We don’t see the level of international attention on Sudan as we do for other crises… Sudan is— I wouldn’t even call it forgotten— it’s ignored.”

On Tuesday, the UK is hosting ministers from 20 countries to revive peace talks, but many fear diplomacy remains stalled as other global conflicts dominate headlines.

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