Story perspectives

Eight Million Sudanese Children Denied Education Amid Ongoing Conflict

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Save the Children reports that over eight million children in Sudan are out of school due to nearly three years of conflict, resulting in the longest school closure globally at 484 days.
In North Darfur, only 3% of schools are operational, with many damaged or used as shelters, and teachers have left due to unpaid salaries.
The ongoing war has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced at least 11 million people.
The UN warns of increasing child recruitment into armed groups, worsening the education crisis and societal instability.

History

Historical Context

The Sudanese Civil War, which escalated in April 2023, stems from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, following a coup in 2021. By 2023, Save the Children reported over eight million children out of school, with only 3% of schools operational in North Darfur, highlighting the conflict's devastating impact on education and society, reminiscent of past humanitarian crises in Sudan.

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Story summary

Save the Children reports that over eight million children in Sudan are out of school due to nearly three years of conflict, resulting in the longest school closure globally at 484 days.
In North Darfur, only 3% of schools are operational, with many damaged or used as shelters, and teachers have left due to unpaid salaries.
The ongoing war has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced at least 11 million people.
The UN warns of increasing child recruitment into armed groups, worsening the education crisis and societal instability.

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