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Sudan Conflict: Ongoing Instability and Humanitarian Crisis (January 27, 2026)
Table of Contents
Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to devastate Sudan, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. As of January 27, 2026, despite numerous ceasefire attempts, a lasting resolution remains elusive, and the conflict has expanded to new regions, exacerbating displacement and food insecurity.
The Core Conflict: SAF vs. RSF
The conflict began on April 15, 2023, as a result of escalating 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 initial clashes in Khartoum quickly spread to other parts of the country, including darfur, where pre-existing ethnic tensions have been inflamed. The conflict is characterized by heavy artillery fire, airstrikes, and widespread reports of human rights abuses.
Example: On December 26, 2023, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that fighting in El Fasher, North Darfur, had displaced over 83,000 people in a single week. https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-el-fasher-north-darfur-displacement-crisis-december-2023
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement crises. as of January 27, 2026, approximately 8.2 million people have been internally displaced within Sudan, and over 1.7 million have fled to neighboring countries, according to UNHCR data. https://www.unhcr.org/sudan-emergency.html
The healthcare system has largely collapsed,wiht many hospitals and clinics forced to close due to damage,lack of supplies,and staff shortages. Food insecurity is rampant, with over 20 million people – more than 40% of the population – facing acute hunger. Access to clean water and sanitation is severely limited, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
Evidence: The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity as of November 2025, a significant increase since the start of the conflict. https://www.wfp.org/countries/sudan
International Response and Ceasefire Efforts
Numerous international actors, including the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Advancement (IGAD), have been involved in mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire and facilitate a political solution. However, these efforts have repeatedly stalled due to the intransigence of both the SAF and the RSF.
The United States and Saudi Arabia jointly brokered a ceasefire in Jeddah in May 2023, but it was repeatedly violated. Sanctions have been imposed on individuals and entities linked to the conflict,but their effectiveness has been limited. Humanitarian aid organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to security concerns and bureaucratic obstacles.
Example: On January 15,2026,the U.S. treasury Department announced new sanctions against individuals and entities accused of fueling the conflict and obstructing humanitarian access. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2433
Regional Implications
The conflict in Sudan is having significant regional implications, particularly for neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. The influx of refugees is straining the resources of these countries, and there are concerns that the conflict could spill over into neighboring territories.
The instability in Sudan also poses a threat to regional security,perhaps creating a vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups. The disruption of trade routes through Sudan is also impacting regional economies.
Evidence: A report by the International Crisis Group,published in October 2025,warned of the growing risk of regional destabilization due to the Sudan conflict. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/sudan/sudan-avoiding-wider-war-over-darfur
