What's happened
Fighting in Sudan since April 2023 has displaced nearly 12 million people, with recent territorial gains by RSF forces and ongoing violence hindering aid efforts. UN officials report severe shortages of supplies, increased civilian suffering, and limited access for humanitarian workers amid escalating conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The recent escalation in Sudan's conflict underscores the fragility of international peace efforts and the profound impact on civilians. The RSF's territorial gains and continued violence threaten to deepen the humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread violence, sexual abuse, and mass displacement. UN officials emphasize that aid access remains severely limited, and funding shortfalls exacerbate the suffering. The conflict's entrenchment risks creating a protracted crisis, with regional destabilization likely if the violence persists. The international community's muted response and funding gaps highlight the urgent need for renewed diplomatic engagement and increased humanitarian support to prevent further catastrophe.
What the papers say
All Africa reports on UN officials' assessments of the worsening humanitarian situation, including warnings of aid shortages and ongoing violence. The New Arab provides detailed insights into the military developments and the political context, including recent territorial gains by RSF and the challenges in securing ceasefires. These sources collectively illustrate the complex and deteriorating situation, emphasizing the critical need for urgent international intervention and sustained humanitarian efforts.
How we got here
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 12 million people. The conflict has led to the fall of key cities, including El Fasher in Darfur, and has severely disrupted humanitarian access. International efforts to broker ceasefires and improve aid delivery have faced significant challenges amid ongoing hostilities and political instability.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Causing the Violence in Sudan’s Darfur Region?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, especially in Darfur, has led to a humanitarian crisis with widespread violence and displacement. Many wonder what’s driving this violence and how it’s affecting civilians. Below, we explore the key questions about the Sudan crisis, including the causes of the fighting, the current situation for displaced people, and the international response.
-
Why Are US Sanctions Threatening Balkan Oil Supplies?
Recent US sanctions on Russian energy companies are causing significant disruptions across Europe, especially in the Balkans. Countries like Serbia are caught in the middle, trying to secure fuel supplies before winter while navigating complex geopolitical pressures. This situation raises important questions about energy security, international sanctions, and the future of European energy independence. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for you.
-
What’s Causing the Violence and Displacement in Sudan?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread violence and displacement, leaving millions of people in urgent need of aid. Many wonder what’s behind this crisis, how many are affected, and what might happen next. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the Sudan crisis to help you understand the situation better.
More on these topics
-
Thomas Michael Fletcher is an English musician, singer, composer, author and YouTube vlogger. He is one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist of English pop rock band McFly, in addition to being the group's founder.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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