18 Banks in Liquidation Process
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Sudan Conflict: Current Status (January 23, 2026)
Table of Contents
Fighting between teh Sudanese Armed forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues across Sudan as of January 23, 2026, with a particularly dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur and Khartoum. Despite numerous ceasefire attempts, a lasting resolution remains elusive, and the conflict has triggered widespread displacement and famine warnings.
The Conflict’s Origins and Key Players
The conflict began on April 15, 2023, stemming from tensions over the integration of the RSF into the SAF, a key component of a planned transition to civilian rule. The dispute escalated into open warfare, pitting the two most powerful generals in Sudan – SAF commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) – against each other.
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is the Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan and commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces. He previously led the military coup in October 2021 that derailed Sudan’s transition to democracy. reuters reported in January 2024 that Burhan stated he would not negotiate with the RSF.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, commands the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He previously served as a key figure in the former regime of Omar al-Bashir and has significant economic interests in Sudan. Al Jazeera reported in December 2023 that Hemedti accused the SAF of war crimes.
Current Military Situation (as of January 23, 2026)
The SAF maintains control of key government institutions and much of the capital, Khartoum, but the RSF controls large swathes of territory in Darfur and other regions. Recent reports indicate intensified fighting in El Fasher, North Darfur, with the RSF making gains against SAF-aligned forces. The conflict has largely settled into a protracted stalemate, characterized by urban warfare and localized offensives.
According to a International Organization for Migration (IOM) report released January 20, 2026, the SAF and RSF have both been accused of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, violating international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Over 8 million people have been displaced,both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries,according to UNHCR data updated January 22, 2026. Food insecurity is rampant,with the World Food Program (WFP) warning of imminent famine in several areas,particularly in Darfur.
- Displaced Population: 8.03 million (as of January 22, 2026 – UNHCR)
- Food Insecurity: Over 20.3 million people facing acute food insecurity (WFP, December 2025)
- Refugees: Approximately 1.5 million Sudanese refugees have fled to neighboring countries (UNHCR, January 22, 2026)
International Response and Ceasefire Efforts
International efforts to mediate a ceasefire have repeatedly failed. the african Union, IGAD (Intergovernmental authority on Development), and the United Nations have all been involved in mediation attempts, but progress has been limited. The United States and Saudi Arabia brokered a ceasefire in Jeddah in May 2023, but it was repeatedly violated. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement on January 18, 2026, calling for an immediate end to the violence and renewed commitment to negotiations.
Sanctions have been imposed on individuals and entities linked to the conflict by the United States and the European Union, but their effectiveness remains debated. Humanitarian aid is being delivered,but access is severely restricted by the ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles.
Outlook
The outlook for Sudan remains bleak. Without a significant shift in the political and military dynamics, the conflict is likely to continue, exacerbating the humanitarian