Full Breakdown
Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: The Situation in El Fasher and Beyond
12/13/2025, 3:33:01 AM
Overview of the Humanitarian Crisis
Since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan on April 15, 2023, a severe humanitarian crisis has unfolded, particularly in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The conflict, primarily between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in significant territorial shifts and a catastrophic impact on civilian life. The RSF captured El Fasher in late October 2025 after a prolonged siege, leading to dire conditions for the city's residents.
Conditions in El Fasher
For the first time since the RSF took control, humanitarian aid has begun to trickle into El Fasher, with the local group Malam Darfur Peace and Development delivering food to 1,200 families. However, the situation remains critical, with severe shortages of water and medical services reported. Lukman Ahmed, the group's president, described the conditions as "absolutely a disaster," highlighting the urgent need for more substantial aid. The UN estimates that between 70,000 and 100,000 people may still be trapped in the city, facing extreme deprivation.
Economic Impact of the Conflict
The civil war has led to a sharp contraction of Sudan's economy, with GDP shrinking by 29% in 2023-24. The conflict has exacerbated food insecurity, with prices for basic commodities skyrocketing. In El Fasher, the cost of 3.5 kilograms of millet exceeded $500 by 2025, marking a dramatic increase in food prices. The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that Sudan has entered famine conditions, with 30 million people now in need of humanitarian assistance.
International Responses and Aid Efforts
International responses to the crisis have varied. Türkiye has mobilized aid organizations to deliver food and supplies, while the UK announced an additional £21 million ($28 million) in aid to support 150,000 people. The United States has threatened to cut foreign assistance to South Sudan, citing the government's imposition of exorbitant fees on humanitarian shipments. The U.S. has provided over $9.5 billion in assistance to South Sudan since its independence in 2011, but has expressed concern over the government's failure to utilize oil revenue for public services.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have pointed to the RSF's actions in El Fasher as part of a broader pattern of human rights violations and atrocities, including mass executions and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The UK Foreign Office condemned the violence perpetrated by both the RSF and SAF, labeling the humanitarian crisis as the worst in the world. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged countries with influence over the combatants to halt the fighting.
Verbatim Quotes
- “People there are suffering. There is no food.” — Lukman Ahmed, President of Malam Darfur Peace and Development
- “The little that's known at the moment about the current conditions in El Fasher is indeed beyond horrific,” — Ross Smith, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response for the WFP
- “The atrocities taking place in Sudan are so horrific they scar the conscience of the world,” — Yvette Cooper, UK Foreign Secretary
What's Next?
As humanitarian agencies continue to negotiate access to El Fasher, the situation remains precarious. The WFP has indicated that it anticipates being able to conduct initial assessments and reconnaissance soon. However, the ongoing conflict and the RSF's control over the region pose significant challenges to delivering aid effectively. The international community is urged to remain engaged and responsive to the evolving crisis in Sudan.
