Sudan's humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) keeps much of the country trapped in instability. What began as a power struggle in April 2023 has developed into a prolonged war, leaving communities displaced, food supplies disrupted and essential public services in serious decline.
For ordinary Sudanese families, the impact is felt in almost every part of daily life. Thousands of people have been forced to abandon their homes, often with little more than the belongings they can carry. Access to food, clean water and medical treatment has become increasingly difficult, particularly in areas where fighting remains intense.
Humanitarian organisations are also struggling to reach communities in need. Damaged roads, insecurity and restrictions on aid deliveries have made relief operations increasingly complicated. Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are facing growing pressure as more people cross their borders in search of safety.
With no lasting political agreement in sight, millions of displaced Sudanese remain uncertain about when, or whether, they will be able to return home.
A WAR THAT CONTINUES TO SPREAD
Sudan's conflict erupted on 15 April 2023 after tensions between the national army and the RSF escalated over the country's political transition and plans to integrate the paramilitary force into the regular military.
The fighting quickly spread beyond the capital, Khartoum, drawing other regions into the conflict and further weakening the country's already fragile institutions.
The military situation has changed considerably since the war began. Although the Sudanese army regained control of Khartoum and parts of central Sudan, the RSF strengthened its position across much of the west, particularly in Darfur. Meanwhile, Kordofan and Blue Nile have remained areas of growing concern.
The United Nations has warned that continued fighting, drone attacks and the movement of weapons are raising the risk of further escalation.
For civilians, the shifting front lines have made finding a safe place increasingly difficult. Families who escape one area of violence may find themselves facing insecurity, shortages and limited humanitarian assistance somewhere else.
The conflict has also disrupted local markets, transport networks and employment opportunities. As a result, even people who have not directly experienced fighting are finding it harder to earn a living and meet their basic needs.
FOOD SHORTAGES AND FAMINE RISKS RAISE ALARM
Food insecurity has become one of the most serious consequences of Sudan's ongoing war. According to the World Food Programme, an estimated 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger, including around five million experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity. Approximately 4.2 million women and children are also affected by acute malnutrition.
Famine remains a major concern in parts of Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan, where continued fighting and limited access to assistance have left vulnerable communities particularly exposed.
Several factors are contributing to the worsening situation. Fighting has disrupted agricultural production, prevented farmers from harvesting crops and damaged the supply networks that communities depend on. Displacement has also forced many families away from their farmland and traditional sources of income.
The problem is being compounded by difficult weather conditions. An Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warning issued on 12 October highlighted deteriorating food security and malnutrition in several areas, alongside drought conditions linked to El Niño affecting roughly half the country.
Rising food prices and declining household incomes are leaving families with fewer options. Many are being forced to reduce meal portions, skip meals or depend on humanitarian assistance to get through the day.
The consequences extend beyond hunger itself. Severe malnutrition weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. Children, in particular, face serious risks when adequate nutrition, clean water and medical care are unavailable.
MILLIONS FORCED FROM THEIR HOMES IN SEARCH OF SAFETY
Displacement remains one of the most devastating aspects of Sudan's conflict. The World Food Programme estimates that around 8.6 million people are internally displaced, while millions more have crossed international borders since the fighting began.
For many families, leaving home has meant losing far more than their property. Businesses, jobs, education and community connections have also been disrupted, making it difficult to rebuild a stable life.
Inside Sudan, displaced people are often staying in overcrowded schools, community buildings and temporary shelters. These locations frequently lack adequate sanitation, clean drinking water and medical facilities.
The situation is particularly difficult for families who have already been displaced once. As fighting spreads, many are forced to move again, often without knowing where they will find their next safe place.
Developments around Darfur highlight the scale of the crisis. The United Nations has reported that nearly 100,000 people fled El Fasher towards neighbouring Chad after the city fell. Almost one million people have crossed into Chad since the conflict started.
Some displaced residents have begun returning to El Fasher, but damaged infrastructure, insecurity and limited access to basic services continue to make everyday life extremely difficult.
The growing number of arrivals is also putting pressure on neighbouring countries. Chad and other regional states must manage increasing demands for shelter, food, healthcare and humanitarian protection.
As the war continues, the challenges facing displaced families are becoming harder to overcome.
HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STRUGGLES TO KEEP UP
Sudan's healthcare system has suffered extensive damage during the conflict. Hospitals and clinics have been attacked, medical supplies have become scarce and many healthcare workers have been unable to continue working safely.
According to the World Health Organization, around 37% of health facilities across Sudan had stopped functioning by 2026. Since the conflict began on 15 April 2023, the WHO has verified 228 attacks on healthcare facilities and services, resulting in 2,055 deaths and 817 injuries.
These figures reflect the dangerous conditions facing patients, doctors, nurses and emergency responders.
The consequences are particularly serious for children suffering from malnutrition, pregnant women, older people and patients who depend on regular treatment for chronic illnesses.
The breakdown of healthcare services is also making disease outbreaks harder to contain. Cholera and measles can spread more easily when communities lack clean water, proper sanitation and access to routine medical care.
Maternal and reproductive healthcare have also been severely affected. During a Geneva briefing, UN officials highlighted findings that around 80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas were no longer functioning.
Women and girls displaced by the fighting face additional difficulties, including limited access to medical treatment, protection services and psychological support.
Without urgent improvements in healthcare access, the risk of preventable illness and death is likely to remain high.
CIVILIANS AND HUMANITARIAN WORKERS FACE GROWING DANGERS
The growing use of drones and airstrikes has added another layer of danger for civilians. Markets, displacement shelters, educational facilities and other civilian locations have been affected by attacks, raising serious concerns about the safety of people who have little opportunity to escape.
Humanitarian operations have also come under threat.
On 3 October, two trucks contracted by the World Food Programme and carrying food assistance were struck. According to a UN briefing to the Security Council, one driver was killed. The organisation said the vehicles were clearly marked as humanitarian transport and had the necessary travel permits.
Another troubling incident involved a reported drone strike on a market in Nyala, South Darfur. Reports of casualties varied considerably, highlighting the difficulties of confirming what happened in areas where independent access is restricted.
The Associated Press said it could not independently verify the reported casualty figures, while medical and human rights organisations called for further investigation.
Such attacks have consequences that extend well beyond the immediate loss of life. When markets, transport routes and aid convoys become unsafe, communities lose access to food, medicine and other essential supplies.
The growing risks also make humanitarian agencies more cautious about sending workers into affected areas, further limiting assistance to people who urgently need it.
INTERNATIONAL CONCERN GROWS AS HUMANITARIAN FUNDING FALLS SHORT
International pressure to address Sudan's worsening humanitarian situation has increased as warnings about hunger and famine risks become more urgent.
On 27 October, the United States, European countries and several other governments issued a joint warning about the country's deteriorating food security. They called on the SAF and RSF to remove obstacles to humanitarian assistance, protect civilians and aid workers, and allow relief supplies to reach affected communities through cross-border and front-line routes, including air access into Darfur.
Despite these appeals, humanitarian agencies continue to face a serious funding gap.
The World Food Programme has warned that a shortage of financial support is forcing it to reduce assistance to vulnerable communities. Around 800,000 people are expected to lose access to emergency food assistance through the end of 2026.
Even those who continue receiving support are not getting enough. According to the WFP, current food rations for many families cover only about half of their minimum nutritional requirements.
The organisation estimates that it needs US$426 million between October 2026 and March 2027 to maintain its operations, including emergency food distribution and nutrition programmes.
Without additional funding, humanitarian agencies may struggle to maintain even their current level of support.
International attention is also focused on protecting civilians and holding those responsible for abuses accountable. Governments and UN bodies have repeatedly called for an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian access.
However, diplomatic efforts have yet to deliver a lasting ceasefire or a political agreement capable of bringing the conflict to an end.
RISKS AND KEY ISSUES TO WATCH
Further escalation in Darfur and Kordofan: Continued fighting could force more families from their homes and expose civilians to additional violence.
Growing hunger and malnutrition: Food shortages, drought and disrupted farming could push more communities towards emergency food insecurity.
Restrictions on humanitarian assistance: Insecurity, blocked roads and attacks on aid operations may prevent essential supplies from reaching vulnerable populations.
Further breakdown of essential services: Damage to hospitals, electricity networks and water systems could increase the risk of disease and preventable deaths.
Pressure on neighbouring countries: Continued displacement could place additional demands on Chad, South Sudan and other regional states.
Declining humanitarian funding: Reduced financial support could leave millions without adequate food, healthcare and emergency protection.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Developments on the battlefield: Whether fighting intensifies around major population centres in Darfur and Kordofan.
Humanitarian access agreements: Whether the SAF and RSF allow safe and consistent delivery of assistance across front lines and international borders.
Updated famine assessments: New IPC findings could provide a clearer picture of the number of people facing the most severe levels of food insecurity.
International funding commitments: Whether donors provide additional resources to sustain food distribution, nutrition programmes and medical assistance.
Diplomatic initiatives: Whether regional and international efforts can secure a credible ceasefire and create a path towards civilian-led political negotiations.
Protection of civilians: Whether attacks on markets, hospitals, shelters and humanitarian convoys decline and reported violations receive independent investigation.
FACT CHECK METER
EDITORIAL CONFIDENCE
94%
Strongly supported — with ongoing developments
CONFIRMED DETAILS
The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023.
The World Food Programme estimates that 19.5 million people are facing acute hunger and approximately 8.6 million are internally displaced.
The WHO has documented hundreds of attacks affecting healthcare since the conflict began, alongside a major loss of health-facility capacity.
International governments issued a joint warning about Sudan's worsening food security on 27 October 2026.
IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONS
Famine risk and acute hunger do not automatically mean that famine has been officially declared in every affected area.
Displacement figures depend on reporting dates and measurement methods. Internal displacement should not be confused with the total number of people who have crossed international borders.
Casualty figures from individual attacks remain difficult to confirm where independent access is restricted.
AWX VERDICT
The humanitarian emergency in Sudan is supported by extensive reporting from UN agencies, the World Food Programme, the WHO and international news organisations.
Although the exact number of casualties and the conditions in some conflict-affected locations remain difficult to establish, the wider picture is clear. Millions of people are struggling with hunger, displacement and limited access to essential services.
The 94% confidence rating reflects AWX's editorial assessment of the central reporting in this article. It is not a statistical probability or an official United Nations rating.
THE AWX BOTTOM LINE
Sudan's conflict has grown into a humanitarian disaster that reaches far beyond the battlefield. Millions of people are struggling to find food, access healthcare and secure a safe place to live. For many families, even meeting the most basic daily needs has become a constant challenge.
Recent warnings from international governments and humanitarian organisations show that the situation remains extremely serious. Food shortages are worsening, displacement continues and essential services are breaking down. At the same time, funding shortages and restrictions on aid deliveries are making it harder for relief agencies to respond.
Addressing the crisis will require more than temporary humanitarian assistance. Protecting civilians, securing safe routes for aid deliveries and preventing further food shortages must be immediate priorities.
A lasting solution will also depend on a credible ceasefire, accountability for abuses and a political process that gives Sudanese civilians a meaningful role in determining their country's future.
Without sustained international support and a genuine commitment to ending the fighting, millions of Sudanese could face an even more difficult future.
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