The conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues as of January 31, 2026, with ongoing fighting, a severe humanitarian crisis, and stalled peace negotiations.While no major territorial shifts have been confirmed in the last month, the situation remains volatile and characterized by localized clashes and widespread displacement.
The Conflict: A Summary
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The conflict in Sudan erupted on April 15, 2023, stemming from tensions between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), over the integration of the RSF into the Sudanese army and the future direction of Sudan’s political transition. The fighting quickly escalated into a nationwide conflict, primarily concentrated in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan.
As of January 31, 2026, there is no indication of a ceasefire or meaningful progress towards a negotiated settlement. Both sides continue to accuse the other of violations and obstructing peace efforts.
Recent Developments (December 2025 - January 2026)
Recent reports indicate a continuation of the stalemate, with neither side gaining substantial ground. Fighting has been especially intense in El Fasher, North Darfur, where the RSF has reportedly made limited advances, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. The SAF maintains control of most major cities, including Khartoum, but faces ongoing attacks and challenges in securing supply routes.
On January 15, 2026, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a significant increase in attacks targeting humanitarian workers and facilities, hindering aid delivery to affected populations. OCHA Sudan Humanitarian Update (January 15,2026)
Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises,with millions displaced both internally and as refugees in neighboring countries. The United Nations estimates that over 8.2 million people have been displaced as of January 2026.
The situation is particularly critical in Darfur, where widespread violence, including reports of ethnic cleansing, has led to a massive influx of refugees into Chad. Food insecurity is rampant, with over 20 million people – more than 40% of the population – facing acute hunger. Access to healthcare and essential services is severely limited.
According to the World Food Program (WFP),approximately 18.6 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity (IPC phase 3 or above) as of December 2025. WFP sudan country Page
International response
International efforts to mediate a ceasefire and provide humanitarian assistance have been hampered by the intransigence of both sides and the complexity of the conflict. The United States, the african Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have been leading diplomatic initiatives, but have yet to achieve a breakthrough.
The United States imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in fueling the conflict in December 2025, targeting those responsible for human rights abuses and obstructing peace efforts. U.S. Department of the Treasury – Recent Actions (Search for Sudan-related sanctions)
Several countries have provided humanitarian aid to Sudan and neighboring countries hosting refugees,but the scale of the crisis far exceeds the available resources. The UN has repeatedly appealed for increased funding to address the growing needs.
key Entities
- Sudanese Armed forces (SAF): led by General abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the official national army of Sudan.
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF): Led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), a paramilitary group with significant economic and political influence.
- United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): The leading UN agency coordinating humanitarian assistance in Sudan.
- World Food Programme (WFP): The leading UN agency addressing food security in sudan.
- Intergovernmental authority on Development (IGAD): Regional bloc leading mediation efforts.
- african Union (AU): Continental body involved in diplomatic efforts.
