Sudan Crisis: Unprecedented Displacement & Famine

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Record-Breaking Sudan Displacement Crisis

Sudan is suffering through the world’s worst displacement crisis right now. After two long years of brutal war, over 14 million people have been forced from their homes. This includes massive internal displacement and millions fleeing across borders. The scale of this catastrophe is hard to grasp; indeed, it is the largest humanitarian crisis on record (Stories from Sudan: The largest humanitarian crisis on record). Our people are enduring unimaginable hardship, caught in the crossfire.

The numbers paint a grim picture. Over 11 million people are internally displaced within Sudan itself. Additionally, another 3.9 to 4 million have become refugees, seeking safety in neighboring countries (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI; 2 years of war in Sudan: World’s worst humanitarian crisis). The International Rescue Committee (IRC) confirms over 12 million total displaced people, both inside and outside the country. This staggering figure represents a 50% jump in displacement just since April 2023, highlighting the escalating violence (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI; Stories from Sudan: The largest humanitarian crisis on record).

Violence and Atrocities: The RSF SAF Conflict

The human cost extends beyond displacement. Since the war erupted in April 2023, estimates suggest over 150,000 lives have been tragically lost (2 years of war in Sudan: World’s worst humanitarian crisis). Recent attacks underscore the ongoing danger to civilians. For instance, assaults on cities like Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al Fasher killed over 100 civilians, including 20 children. Furthermore, nine humanitarian workers were also killed, highlighting the risks faced by those trying to help (The humanitarian crisis in Sudan explained).

The conflict pits the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the national military, against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF is a powerful paramilitary group with roots in the notorious Janjaweed militias used in Darfur (Rapid Support Forces – Wikipedia; Who are Rapid Support Forces, the coup enablers in Sudan?). The war began when the RSF mobilized across Sudan, leading the SAF to declare them rebels (Rapid Support Forces – Wikipedia; Sudan: The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) Gains Ground in Sudan). Subsequently, both sides have faced accusations of war crimes. The U.S. Department of State has even determined that the RSF committed genocide, citing systematic atrocities like mass killings, ethnic targeting, and village burnings, particularly against non-Arab communities in Darfur (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI; Rapid Support Forces – Wikipedia; RSF’s Battle Successes in Sudan – The Washington Institute).

The RSF’s history of violence is deeply troubling. During the 2018-2019 Sudanese protests, RSF forces were responsible for the Khartoum massacre. They killed over 100 civilians, raped dozens of women, and used torture against demonstrators (Rapid Support Forces – Wikipedia; Who are Rapid Support Forces, the coup enablers in Sudan?). This pattern of systematic gender-based violence, including sexual assault and slavery, continues to be a horrific feature of their operations. Consequently, the conflict has shattered Sudan’s healthcare system and led to a rise in gender-based violence, making it an especially devastating crisis for women and girls (Stories from Sudan: The largest humanitarian crisis on record).

Sudan Famine and Blocked Humanitarian Aid

Alongside the violence, widespread famine grips Sudan. Humanitarian access is severely limited, creating a desperate situation. Armed groups are deliberately cutting off life-saving aid supplies (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI). Millions of people, our brothers and sisters, face starvation because help cannot reach them. This deliberate obstruction is worsening an already dire crisis.

The situation for children and aid workers is particularly horrific. Hundreds of children have reportedly been raped. Furthermore, aid workers trying to deliver essentials face extreme dangers, including being killed (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI). Organizations such as the IRC and Caritas Internationalis remain committed to providing assistance. However, they encounter significant operational challenges due to the insecurity and blockades (2 years of war in Sudan: World’s worst humanitarian crisis; Stories from Sudan: The largest humanitarian crisis on record). The combination of famine and restricted aid creates a deadly cycle for countless Sudanese families.

Sudan Refugee Crisis and Stalled Peace Talks

The conflict’s impact spills far beyond Sudan’s borders. Around 4 million Sudanese refugees have fled into neighboring countries (2 years of war in Sudan: World’s worst humanitarian crisis). This massive influx is straining resources and worsening humanitarian crises in places like Chad and South Sudan, which were already facing significant challenges. The entire region feels the weight of Sudan’s instability.

Efforts to broker peace have unfortunately faltered. A ministerial conference planned in London aimed to restart peace talks, but meaningful progress remains elusive (2 years of war in Sudan: World’s worst humanitarian crisis). Leadership, both within Sudan and internationally, seems stalled. Faith-based networks warn that without decisive action, the crisis will only deepen (Situation Update: Sudan April 2025 – USCRI). The RSF’s strategic alliances further complicate international response. Groups in the UAE and Libya view the RSF as potentially stabilizing, hindering unified international pressure (RSF’s Battle Successes in Sudan – The Washington Institute). The RSF has even engaged in peace talks while allegedly collaborating with mercenaries, seeking legitimacy on the world stage (Home | Rapid Support Forces; RSF’s Battle Successes in Sudan – The Washington Institute).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.