Khartoum: Sudan is facing one of the gravest humanitarian crises of the 21st century as nearly 13 million people have been displaced since the outbreak of war in April 2023. The conflict, pitting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has plunged the nation into chaos, with civilians bearing the heaviest burden.

According to humanitarian agencies, about 7.4 million people remain displaced within Sudan, while more than 4 million have fled to neighboring countries including Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. In total, over half of Sudan’s population—more than 30 million people—now require urgent humanitarian assistance.

The war has left tens of thousands dead, though estimates vary due to lack of access to conflict zones. Some sources suggest the toll could exceed 150,000, but United Nations officials continue to describe the confirmed figures as “tens of thousands.”

Darfur has been among the hardest-hit regions, particularly the city of El Fasher, which remains under siege.

Camps such as Zamzam and Abu Shouk have faced repeated attacks, leaving families trapped in conditions marked by starvation, disease, and violence. Aid agencies warn of famine in parts of Darfur, with malnutrition and food insecurity worsening daily.

Health services have collapsed in many areas, and Sudan is battling one of the deadliest cholera epidemics in recent memory. With hospitals destroyed or looted and aid convoys frequently blocked, access to lifesaving assistance remains extremely limited.

The crisis has also created immense pressure on neighboring countries struggling to host millions of refugees. International aid organizations stress that humanitarian funding remains grossly inadequate, warning that the situation could spiral further without immediate global support.

While some displaced families have begun returning to their homes, these movements are fragile and often reversed when violence resurges. Aid workers emphasize that safe and sustainable returns will only be possible once lasting peace is achieved.

As the conflict drags into its third year, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene diplomatically and expand humanitarian support. Without urgent action, observers warn Sudan risks sliding further into famine, disease, and mass displacement on a scale unseen in decades.