What's happened
As of October 2024, Sudan's humanitarian crisis has intensified, with over 11 million people displaced and 26 million facing acute hunger. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has led to widespread violence, including mass killings and sexual violence, prompting urgent calls for international intervention.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, the situation in Sudan is catastrophic, with nearly 30% of the population displaced. She emphasized that the humanitarian needs are growing daily, stating, "The suffering is growing by the day" (All Africa). The UN has reported that the RSF has committed numerous human rights violations, including mass killings and sexual violence, with the situation in Gezira state drawing particular concern (South China Morning Post). Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the dire conditions, noting that "the conflict in Sudan has the potential to destabilize the entire region" (The Independent). The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a lack of international funding, with only 52% of the UN's humanitarian appeal met (All Africa).
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, following a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, including mass displacement and widespread violence against civilians.
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What is happening in the Sudan conflict and how is the world responding?
The conflict in Sudan has escalated dramatically, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis. With reports of mass violence and human rights abuses, many are left wondering about the latest developments and the international community's response. This page addresses key questions surrounding the ongoing situation in Sudan, including the implications for regional stability and the humanitarian aid being provided to those affected.
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What is Causing the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan?
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More on these topics
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Khartoum or Khartum is the capital of Sudan. With a population of 5,274,321, its metropolitan area is the largest in Sudan, the sixth-largest in Africa, the second-largest in North Africa, and the fourth-largest in the Arab world.
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The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme
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Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir is a Sudanese politician who served as the seventh President of Sudan from 1989 to 2019, when he was deposed in a coup d'état. He was subsequently incarcerated, tried and convicted on multiple corruption charges.
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Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and Sudanese Army general who is currently serving as Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, the country's collective transitional head of state.
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Mohamed Chande Othman is a Tanzanian lawyer and a former Chief Justice of Tanzania.
Internationally he is highly respected for his deep understanding of political, legal and other dimensions relating to International Humanitarian Law, Refugee Law, Crimina
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The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers.