Sudan is grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by unprecedented levels of displacement, food insecurity, and a fractured political landscape. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted in April 2023, has exacerbated an already fragile situation. This war has not only undermined prospects for a democratic transition but has also plunged the nation into a crisis of staggering proportions, with the United Nations (UN) warning of looming famine and mass starvation.
According to the UN, over 30 million people in Sudan now require humanitarian assistance, with 8.1 million facing imminent starvation. This crisis has created the world’s largest displacement emergency, as more than 10.7 million individuals, including 2.7 million displaced before the war, have been forced from their homes. An additional 3.3 million have sought refuge across Sudan’s borders,meaning over 25% of the pre-war population is now displaced. Despite these alarming figures, Sudan’s government disputes the extent of the crisis, halting collaboration with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) after it reported famine conditions in five regions. Sudanese ambassador Al Harith Mohamed dismissed the findings, accusing the IPC of fabricating data and asserting that agricultural production remains sufficient to meet local needs.
This rejection of famine data has drawn sharp criticism. U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield called Sudan’s decision to disengage from the IPC “unacceptable” and urged the Transitional Sovereign Council to re-engage with the program. She emphasized that failure to cooperate would further disrupt donor efforts and harm Sudan’s credibility in addressing its humanitarian obligations. The UN, meanwhile, has called for an unprecedented mobilization of international support, with EdemWosornu, the UN’s director for humanitarian affairs, urging the global community to act decisively to alleviate the crisis.
The conflict’s roots lie in a power struggle between the SAF and RSF over the direction of Sudan’s political future. Both parties were integral to the transitional government formed after the 2019 overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir. However, disagreements over the timeline and structure of the transition to civilian rule led to an all-out war, dismantling the fragile hopes for democracy and stability. Compounding the crisis, the conflict has disrupted vital infrastructure, including the pipeline transporting crude oil from South Sudan through Sudan to the Red Sea. The war’s impact on oil transport prompted Khartoum to declare force majeure in March 2023. A year later, Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum announced the lifting of the force majeure, citing new security arrangements with South Sudan and pipeline operators.
Sudan’s internal crisis is further complicated by external interference. The United States has accused Russia of financing both sides of the conflict to advance its geopolitical objectives. Moscow’s role in the crisis has drawn heightened scrutiny, particularly after Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution in November 2023 that called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and guaranteed humanitarian aid access. This veto underscored the geopolitical entanglements that hinder international efforts to address Sudan’s worsening humanitarian situation.
The war’s devastating consequences extend beyond immediate human suffering to Sudan’s economic stability. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of the economy, has been severely disrupted, contributing to the famine conditions reported by the IPC. The ongoing displacement has uprooted farming communities, while restricted access to critical regions has impeded relief efforts. Despite these challenges, Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum remains optimistic about renewed oil exports, which could provide much-needed revenue if security conditions hold.
Amid this turmoil, international agencies have issued stark warnings. Beth Bechdol, deputy director general of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, stressed the urgency of diplomatic and financial interventions to prevent further loss of life. Yet, the scale of need far outstrips current resources. The UN estimates that only an unprecedented global response can mitigate the escalating crisis, as hunger and displacement continue to rise.
The situation in Sudan exemplifies the complex interplay of internal conflict, geopolitical rivalry, and humanitarian need. While the international community debates solutions, millions of Sudanese face starvation and insecurity, trapped in a cycle of violence and neglect. Breaking this cycle will require not only immediate humanitarian aid but also sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and restore hope for a democratic future.
