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Sudan’s Fragile Transition: A Looming Humanitarian Crisis and the path Forward
The Escalating Conflict in Sudan: What You Need to Know
Sudan is currently embroiled in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. The fighting, which erupted on April 15, 2023, stems from a power struggle over the integration of the RSF into the national army as part of a planned transition to civilian rule. This conflict has rapidly plunged the nation into a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Humanitarian Impact: A Nation on the brink
The conflict has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis.Millions of Sudanese have been displaced, both internally and as refugees fleeing to neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. As of late August 2025, over 8.3 million people have been displaced, making it one of the largest displacement crises globally. Access to essential services – healthcare, water, food, and sanitation – has been severely disrupted, pushing the country towards famine. The United nations estimates that over 20 million people, more than 40% of the population, are facing acute food insecurity.
the situation is especially dire in the Darfur region, where the conflict has exacerbated existing ethnic tensions and led to widespread violence against civilians. Reports of sexual violence and attacks on healthcare facilities are deeply concerning. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach those in need due to ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles.
Regional Implications and International Response
The conflict in Sudan poses a significant threat to regional stability. The influx of refugees is straining the resources of neighboring countries, and the potential for the conflict to spill over borders is a major concern. the instability in Sudan also creates a vacuum that could be exploited by extremist groups.
International efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate a political solution have so far yielded limited results. The African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Advancement (IGAD), and the United Nations have all been involved in mediation efforts. However, both the SAF and the RSF have shown little willingness to compromise. The united States and Saudi Arabia 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 remains questionable.
| Country | Number of Sudanese Refugees (as of Aug 26, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Chad | ~500,000 |
| south Sudan | ~350,000 |
| Egypt | ~400,000 |
| Ethiopia | ~100,000 |
