Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Sudan Amid Ongoing Conflict

International aid workers recently accessed al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, for the first time since its takeover by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in October 2025. The city, once bustling, is now largely deserted, with survivors sheltering in makeshift camps or abandoned buildings. Denise Brown, the U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, described al-Fashir as a "crime scene," highlighting the dire conditions faced by the remaining population. An estimated 100,000 people have fled the city since the RSF's takeover, which followed an 18-month siege that led to widespread famine and violence, including ethnically motivated mass killings.

ReutersExpress TribuneUN agency says over 10,000 people displaced in three days in SudanDigital Journal

The conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese army, has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. According to U.N. figures, approximately 30.4 million Sudanese require humanitarian assistance, with 9.6 million displaced internally and 4.3 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Recent reports indicate that violence has intensified, particularly in the Kordofan region, where the RSF has captured strategic locations, including the Heglig oilfield. In just a few days, over 10,000 people were displaced due to fighting, with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reporting significant displacements from the towns of Um Baru and Kernoi.

UN agency says over 10,000 people displaced in three days in SudanExpress TribuneDigital JournalIOM: 7,000+ displaced from Amro and Karnoi in North Darfur

Despite the escalating violence, the U.N. managed to conduct an assessment mission in al-Fashir, revealing a critical lack of basic supplies and medical care. Brown expressed concern for those injured or detained, emphasizing the need for safe passage for humanitarian aid. The RSF's portrayal of a return to normalcy in al-Fashir has been contradicted by the grim reality observed by aid workers, who noted the absence of essential services and the psychological toll on the remaining residents.

Reuters

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the "unimaginable suffering" of civilians. However, a peace initiative proposed by Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris, which included disarmament of the RSF, was dismissed by the paramilitary group as "wishful thinking." The ongoing conflict has led to fears of further atrocities, similar to those reported in al-Fashir, with U.N. officials warning that the violence could escalate if a ceasefire is not achieved.

There are discrepancies in casualty figures and the extent of displacement reported by various sources. While the IOM reported over 10,000 people displaced in recent days, the Sudan Doctors Network indicated that more than 200 people were killed in ethnic-based violence during RSF offensives. Additionally, satellite imagery has shown evidence of mass graves and destruction, but the full scale of the humanitarian crisis remains difficult to ascertain.

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, further assessments and humanitarian missions are planned to address the urgent needs of the affected populations. The international community remains on alert for potential escalations in violence, particularly in Kordofan, where the humanitarian situation is increasingly precarious.