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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 existing challenges.
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 power struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the commander of the SAF, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”), the leader of the RSF, ignited widespread violence.
Primary entities
- Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF): The national army of Sudan, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
- Rapid Support Forces (RSF): A paramilitary group, formerly known as the Janjaweed militia, led by General mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti).
- Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan: The governing body established after the 2019 revolution, now fractured by the conflict.
- United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS): UNITAMS has been attempting to mediate a ceasefire and provide humanitarian assistance.
- African union (AU): The AU has been involved in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
- Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD): IGAD is leading regional mediation efforts.
- International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Darfur,which have resurfaced during the current conflict.
Current Military Situation (as of January 27, 2026)
The SAF maintains control of key government institutions and much of the capital, Khartoum, but the RSF controls significant portions of the city and other strategic areas, including Darfur. Recent reports indicate intensified fighting in West Darfur,particularly around el Geneina,with allegations of widespread ethnic violence. The RSF has made gains in the Kordofan region, threatening access to vital agricultural lands.
Fighting has expanded beyond Khartoum and Darfur, now impacting areas in the east and north of Sudan. The SAF has launched counter-offensives, but these have been hampered by logistical challenges and the RSF’s decentralized command structure.
Recent Developments (2025-2026)
- December 2025: A UN Security Council resolution (Resolution 2734) authorized the deployment of a limited UN monitoring force to observe ceasefire agreements, but implementation has been delayed due to SAF and RSF objections.
- January 15, 2026: The International Rescue Committee reported a surge in cases of acute malnutrition among children in conflict-affected areas, reaching crisis levels. IRC Report
- January 20, 2026: The AU suspended Sudan’s membership following repeated violations of ceasefire agreements and reports of human rights abuses. AU Press Release
Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement
The conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement crises. As of January 27, 2026, over 8.2 million people have been internally displaced within Sudan, and over 1.7 million have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. UNHCR Sudan Emergency
access to food, water, healthcare, and sanitation is severely limited, particularly in conflict zones.The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that over 20 million people – more than 40 percent of Sudan’s population - face acute food insecurity.
