Sudan humanitarian crisis 14M displaced, 21M facing hunger

Sudan humanitarian crisis continues: 14 million displaced and 21 million facing severe hunger amid ongoing conflict and collapsing healthcare.

Sudan’s ongoing conflict between the military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has triggered one of the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian disasters. Nearly three years of war have left millions displaced, millions more struggling with hunger, and entire communities at risk of collapse.

Rising Displacement: Millions Forced to Flee Their Homes

Since the outbreak of hostilities on April 15, 2023, Sudan has faced unprecedented internal displacement. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM):

• Over 9.5 million people are now internally displaced, scattered across more than 10,900 locations in all 18 Sudanese states.
• South Darfur (1.84 million), North Darfur (1.75 million), and Central Darfur (978,000) have been the hardest hit.
• Children account for over half of the displaced population, highlighting the vulnerability of younger generations.

Even before the recent conflict, Sudan had already seen 2.32 million people displaced due to climate crises and long-standing regional conflicts. Since April 2023, an additional 7.25 million people have been forced to leave their homes, including 2.7 million from Khartoum and around 2 million each from South and North Darfur.

Refugee Crisis: Over 4 Million Flee Abroad

The internal crisis has spilled across borders. More than 4.34 million Sudanese have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including:

• Egypt: 1.5 million
• South Sudan: 1.25 million
• Chad: 1.2 million

Combined with internal displacement, this means 14 million people, more than a quarter of Sudan’s 51 million population, have been uprooted. Around 70% of those fleeing are Sudanese nationals, while the remaining 30% are non-Sudanese caught in the crossfire.

Acute Hunger Crisis: Millions Facing Starvation

The food situation in Sudan has reached alarming levels. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC):

• 21.2 million people (45% of the population) face acute food insecurity.
• 6.3 million are in Phase 4 (emergency), and 375,000 are experiencing Phase 5 (famine) conditions.

Certain areas, including El-Fasher in North Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan, are already classified as famine zones. Besieged towns like Dilling face worsening shortages, with supply routes completely cut off. Children fleeing these areas are arriving in nearby towns severely malnourished, making immediate humanitarian intervention critical.

Widespread Violence: Atrocities and Human Rights Violations

Both sides of the conflict have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The RSF, in particular, has been implicated in mass executions, sexual violence, and atrocities in Darfur, with the UN warning some actions may amount to genocide.

Women and children are especially vulnerable, facing abuse, ransom demands, and sexual violence, while civilians continue to endure targeted attacks based on ethnicity.

Collapse of Healthcare Infrastructure

Sudan’s health system has been decimated by the war:

• Fewer than 25% of hospitals are fully operational.
• Over 200 attacks on healthcare facilities have been documented, and 20 ambulances destroyed.
• The lack of medical care has fueled outbreaks, including cholera, which has caused 123,000 confirmed cases and over 3,500 deaths.

With limited access to treatment and rising malnutrition, the population faces a compounded health crisis, worsening the humanitarian emergency.

Humanitarian Intervention Needed

Sudan’s crisis demands urgent global attention. With millions displaced, millions more facing starvation, and basic services collapsing, humanitarian aid, food assistance, and healthcare support are urgently needed. Without international intervention, the human toll will continue to rise, particularly for women, children, and vulnerable communities.