Sudan’s Civil War: A Descent into the World’s Worst Displacement Crisis
Three years of conflict in Sudan have created a humanitarian catastrophe, forcing over 11 million people from their homes – the world’s largest displacement crisis. The war, initially a power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has fractured into a complex conflict with devastating consequences for civilians.
The Journey to Safety: Stories from the Frontlines
Nahma Mohammed’s story is representative of the harrowing experiences faced by Sudanese refugees. After an eight-day trek from Nyala in Darfur to Birao, Central African Republic, she described a journey fraught with danger: “The journey was extremely difficult … there were thieves, armed men and weapons everywhere. It was like walking a path between life and death.” She now resides in the Korsi Refugee camp, alongside over 22,000 others.
The influx of refugees is overwhelming the Central African Republic, one of the world’s poorest nations, where nearly seven out of ten people live on less than $2.15 USD per day. Hikmah Hussain, a refugee who arrived in 2023, recounted the trauma that drove her from her home: the death of her sister from shrapnel during an aerial bombardment. “This was what scared us and made us exit… we said to ourselves, ‘If we stay, these kinds of bombs will get us.'”
A Conflict Escalating in Brutality
The conflict has seen a geographical split, with the Sudanese army (SAF) controlling much of the east and centre, while the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) dominate the west, particularly Darfur. The targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, and the increasing use of drone warfare have created a deadly environment. More than 1,000 drone strikes have been documented since 2023.
The scale of the crisis is immense. An estimated 33 million people in Sudan are in need of assistance, yet humanitarian budgets are being slashed worldwide. While UN estimates place the death toll at 40,000, many believe this figure is a significant underestimate, potentially ten times higher.
The Impact of Funding Cuts on Aid Delivery
The situation is further exacerbated by significant cuts in international funding. U.S. Funding for the refugee response nearly halved between 2024 and 2025. Inside Sudan, less than 40 per cent of the $4.2 billion US Humanitarian Response Plan was funded in 2025, a sharp decline from 70 per cent the previous year.
These cuts are having a direct impact on the ground. NGO Oxfam and Islamic Relief report the closure of community kitchens and reduced access to essential services like clean water, shelter, and protection, particularly for women and girls. UNFPA-run safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence have also been forced to close.
UNHCR representative Marie-Helene Verney notes that fighting continues across multiple regions, with an increase in aerial bombardments and indiscriminate attacks on civilian structures.
The Role of External Actors and the Future of the Conflict
External actors are accused of fueling the conflict by providing support and weaponry to rival sides, deepening its regional dimensions. The war is also reportedly funded by gold smuggling, a practice that has devastating consequences for those involved in mining.
Despite the ongoing violence, some areas, like Khartoum, have come under government control again. However, a lasting resolution remains elusive. Taiba Ahmat Kamiss, a 17-year-old refugee who recently gave birth in Birao, expressed a sentiment shared by many: “People can only go back to Sudan when things get back to normal. Otherwise, we don’t have a choice… It’s only if God clears the path for us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people have been displaced by the Sudan conflict? Over 11 million people have been forced from their homes.
- What are the main causes of the conflict? The conflict began as a power struggle between two military leaders but has since evolved into a complex war.
- What is the humanitarian situation like in Sudan? An estimated 33 million people are in need of assistance.
- What is the role of international aid? International aid is crucial, but funding cuts are severely impacting the delivery of essential services.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the crisis by following updates from UNHCR, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and reputable news organizations.
Did you know? The conflict in Sudan is now considered the world’s largest displacement crisis, surpassing previous emergencies in scale and complexity.
Learn more about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan and how you can help by visiting the UNHCR website.
