Full Breakdown
Sudan’s Deepening Humanitarian Crisis Amid War, Disease, and Funding Battles
7/14/2026, 9:40:46 PM
Core Crisis Overview
Since the war erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the conflict has entered its fourth year, displacing more than 11 million people and creating the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. Around 5 million Sudanese now face emergency or catastrophic hunger, while 19.5 million experience high acute food insecurity. Cholera has resurfaced, with 1,330 confirmed cases and 114 deaths reported, and the closure of key border crossings has hampered aid deliveries.
Background & Context
The fighting began after a power struggle between army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”). Initial cooperation gave way to open hostilities in April 2023, spreading from Khartoum to Darfur, Kordofan, and other regions. The RSF’s control of goldfields has financed its operations, while the SAF relies on state-controlled mines in the north and east.
Data & Statistics
- 5 million people in emergency or catastrophic hunger (World Food Programme).
- 100,000 people still in IPC Phase 5 (famine-like) conditions.
- 19.5 million facing high acute food insecurity (IPC).
- 1,330 cholera cases, 114 deaths; case-fatality rate 13.7 %.
- ? 5 billion USD worth of Sudanese gold smuggled in 2025, according to the state-run Sudanese Mineral Resources Company.
- $646 million funding gap for the World Food Programme after donor cuts.
Why It Matters
The convergence of armed conflict, disrupted agricultural inputs, soaring diesel prices, and restricted gold revenues threatens to reverse recent gains in food security. Cholera’s resurgence compounds mortality risks, especially as the rainy season approaches. International sanctions targeting gold trade aim to cut a major financing stream, yet smuggling networks and limited enforcement risk undermining their impact.
Official Statements & Responses
- Carl Skau, acting executive director of the World Food Programme, warned that “We’re not heading in the right direction here… If anything, we are falling backwards.”
- Dr Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative to Sudan, noted that “Health facilities are overwhelmed there and access to care is very, very limited.”
- The Council of the European Union stated that “The decision introduces a ban on the purchase, import or transfer of gold originating in Sudan. It also bans the sale, supply, transfer or export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan.”
- Judge Mohamed al-Amin, presiding over the Port Sudan trial, declared that “The convicted individuals were state leaders who abused their authority and used state weapons, which were meant to protect citizens, to commit crimes instead.”
Criticism & Opposition
The RSF has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide or war crimes, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. Human rights groups argue that the EU gold ban, while symbolically strong, lacks mechanisms to curb illicit smuggling through neighboring countries such as Chad, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
On-the-Ground Reports
UN officials highlighted that cholera’s spread to el-Obeid in North Kordofan is especially alarming due to limited access and an overstretched health system. Recent fighting around al-Obeid has prompted the World Food Programme to seek expansion of aid deliveries from 100,000 to 250,000 people.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact volume of gold smuggled in 2025—estimates range from $5 billion to $5 billion USD, with some reports citing 5 billion USD and others noting “? 5 billion USD.” Precise figures on the number of cholera deaths remain uncertain, as officials suggest the true toll exceeds the reported 114 fatalities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a massive crisis, both in terms of numbers, but also the gravity,” — Carl Skau, World Food Programme
- “With these kinds of numbers in IPC (Phase) 5 starvation it is extremely, extremely serious,” — Carl Skau, World Food Programme
- “Cholera is back and it’s affecting several states, mainly in the western part of the country, the Darfurs and the Kordofans,” — Dr Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative to Sudan
- “The RSF has denied committing genocide or war crimes.” — RSF spokesperson (reported)
- “The decision introduces a ban on the purchase, import or transfer of gold originating in Sudan.” — Council of the European Union
What’s Next
The European Union’s gold ban will take effect immediately, with exemptions for humanitarian purposes. The United Nations continues to call for expanded humanitarian corridors, while the Sudanese court’s death sentences await review by the Supreme Court, leaving the practical impact on RSF operations uncertain.
