What's happened
The Sudanese war between the military and RSF has intensified since April 2023, with fighting centering in Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Nile states. UNICEF says drone warfare accounts for about 60% of casualties, while the UN and Western powers warn of potential atrocities. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and left over 30 million in need of humanitarian aid. Civilians face siege-like conditions as strikes hit infrastructure.
What's behind the headline?
Outlook and implications
- The conflict’s consolidation around key towns like El Obeid signals a potential shift in control that could worsen access to aid and escalate civilian harm.
- Drone warfare’s prominence (about 60% of casualties) highlights a risk pattern that may persist if ground fighting continues, complicating humanitarian corridors.
- With over 30 million in need of aid and 13 million displaced, regional stability hinges on international pressure and sustained humanitarian logistics.
Why this matters to readers
- The crisis affects regional stability and international aid flows, with potential spillovers into neighbouring countries as refugees seek safety.
- Access to essential services remains precarious, threatening long-term development and increasing the risk of famine in vulnerable areas.
How we got here
The fighting stems from a long-running power struggle between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces, with recent months marking a further concentration of hostilities around El Obeid in North Kordofan. The crisis has created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, displacing millions and threatening food security across the country.
Our analysis
The New Arab reports UNICEF figures on casualties and displacement; AP News and Independent corroborate the same numbers and emphasize the UN’s call to protect civilians and humanitarian access.
Go deeper
- What has changed in the last week?
- Which areas are most at risk for civilians next?
- How can international aid reach those most in need?
More on these topics
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United Nations - Intergovernmental organization
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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El-Obeid - City and capital of North Kurdufan, Sudan
El-Obeid (Arabic: الأبيض, al-ʾAbyaḍ, lit. "the White"), also romanized as Al-Ubayyid, is the capital of the state of North Kordofan, in Sudan.
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Sudan - Country in North Africa
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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UNICEF - Agency
The United Nations Children's Fund is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.U.N. headquarters is based in New York City, it is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare o
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Darfur
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.