Background
Since 15 April 2023, Sudan has faced an unprecedented humanitarian crisis driven by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former ally the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Civilians continue to bear the brunt of violence, with over 11 million people displaced internally, making Sudan the world's largest internal displacement crisis. An additional over 3 million people have fled to neighbouring countries.
Fighting continues in many parts of the country, including much of Darfur. Swathes of the capital, Khartoum, have been destroyed. Conflict is now spreading in the Kordofan region and other areas in the south of the country. Humanitarian assistance needs to continue in the absence of a political solution to the conflict, in the absence of a ceasefire.
More than 30 million people, nearly two thirds of the country's population, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. Close to 25 million people are acutely hungry, with famine conditions identified in displacement sites in North Darfur and in the eastern Nuba Mountains - and these conditions are expected to spread further over the coming months without a step-change in humanitarian access. Meanwhile, disease outbreaks are compounding the crisis, alongside worsening climate shocks.
Humanitarian organizations, supported by international partners, are delivering food assistance, healthcare, shelter, and protection services to vulnerable populations. However, insecurity and logistical challenges ¡ª such as poor infrastructure and active conflict ¡ª continue to hamper aid delivery, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Despite the ongoing efforts, chronic underfunding of humanitarian appeals remains a significant obstacle. The complex interplay of armed conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and limited governance capacity requires not only immediate aid but also long-term solutions that address the root causes of the crisis. Sustained international engagement and coordinated response efforts are essential to alleviate suffering and support recovery in Sudan.
The displacement is significant, the needs are enormous, we¡¯ve already had famine identified in some parts of the country, and we¡¯re working against the clock to try and prevent it spreading.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, in an , 11 April 2025
