A Darfur state amid war, displacement and humanitarian crisis
The Sudan conflict between the army and the RSF has escalated, intensifying a humanitarian crisis. WFP reports food rations are stretched as aid access narrows; millions remain displaced, with fears of renewed attacks around key cities like El-Obeid and El Fasher. International bodies warn of mass atrocities and rising hunger.
The UN human rights office has warned that warring parties are looting gum arabic and rerouting trade to sustain the conflict. The trade supports millions of livelihoods but is now a target in a widening war economy. Gold sales are also a major revenue source for the SAF and RSF, the OHCHR report says.
The International Criminal Court has withdrawn charges against Abdallah Banda after prosecutors say key witnesses are no longer credible and new testimony could not sustain a conviction. Judges have approved the withdrawal, stressing it does not preclude later charges for similar facts. The decision affects 103 victims and comes amid broader scrutiny of the ICC.
Across Sudan, fighting between the army and RSF continues to disrupt aid, with El-Obeid and Darfur seeing sieges and drone strikes. Civilians suffer from hunger, water scarcity, disease, and sexual violence, while the UN and human rights groups push for ceasefire and humanitarian access.
Humanitarian and rights groups have documented mass killings, sexual violence and widespread displacement across RSF-held western Sudan. UNICEF has reported rising malnutrition, cholera risk and gender-based violence around El-Obeid and North Kordofan, while Sudan’s National Commission for Human Rights and UN probes have recorded mass graves, detention of thousands and nearly 4,000 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Darfur.
Fighting around El Obeid, North Kordofan, has intensified, with civilians fleeing and humanitarian access tightening. International aid is strained as funding gaps persist, while the UN calls for protection of civilians and sustained aid delivery. Warnings grow over deteriorating health services and rising malnutrition.
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has worsened as conflict, infrastructure damage, and flooding cut vital services. IOM reports rising displacement, attacks on healthcare, and strained water, electricity and transport networks across Khartoum, El Obeid and other regions. Efforts to deliver aid are hampered by logistics and security risks, with millions in need of assistance.
The army has begun absorbing RSF defectors after a wave of defections, with more fighters crossing from Darfur and Kordofan. Security checks and swearing-in are underway, as authorities vet defectors amid ongoing fighting and accusations of war crimes.
The United Nations World Food Programme has condemned an aerial attack on two trucks carrying humanitarian food in South Kordofan, killing one driver. The vehicles were clearly marked as aid transport. WFP is urging a prompt, impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible, while highlighting the deteriorating security environment for aid workers in Sudan.
Civil conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has intensified since 2023, displacing millions and triggering a global call for ceasefires. New UN-backed resolutions and aid deliveries confront ongoing violence and threats to civilians.
Nearly 1,400 people from 260 families have arrived in Tawila, North Darfur in five days, pushing total arrivals since early September past 6,000. The displaced, mainly women, children, and older residents, cite deteriorating security, hunger, drought, and famine. Host communities face growing pressure as humanitarian access remains critical. Aid groups call for an urgent, coordinated response to provide food, water, shelter, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warns that famine risk is increasing in parts of Sudan where conflict and El Niño drought are intensifying food insecurity. Acute malnutrition is rising in Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan, with aid access hampered by insecurity and funding shortfalls. By 8 October, less than half of the humanitarian appeal had been funded.