Sudan’s escalating humanitarian crisis
Leticia Kuri Bandanaa
Since the power struggles between Sudanese Armed forces(SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces(RSF) which arose as a result of the integration of the RSF into the SAF began in April 2023, humanitarian conditions have never been better in Sudan. With adverse effects like human right abuses, displacement and civilian casualties. Amidst these brutal national turmoil, which are still in the loom, Dr. Kamal Idris was sworn in as Prime Minister in Port Sudan. As his appointment comes at a very brutal moment, his government is expected to restore stability as the effects of the tensions escalate by the day.
Clashes between the two military rivals has continually uprooted and displaced civilians. Since the beginning of these tensions, over 400,000 people have moved from El Fasher according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In June, about 8,000 people moved from North Darfur to Ad-Dabba placing an extreme burden on facilities like healthcare, shelter, portable water and food in the area, while over 16,000 people have moved to Babanusa in West Kordofan as of June 27.
As Sudan enters into its rainy season which likely runs through October, reports forewarn the risks of a flood especially in areas facing limited infrastructure against such. Nearly 500,000 were affected by floods the previous year and the likely of this unfortunate event happening again is high considering the current predicament of the country.
Another result of these tensions between the SAF and RSF is the present day hunger crisis in Sudan. Millions of people are experiencing food insecurity with some at very crucial and emergency stages. One in every two Sudanese is said to be struggling to put food on the table and many have given in to the crisis already. In December 2024, the Famine Review Committee confirmed the outbreak of famine in areas like Western Nuba mountains, North Darfur State and some camps along the region.
With several schools shutdown and children staying out of school due the predicament, exposing them more to gun fires and more deadly violence. Many children have been uprooted from their homes due to the horrifying impact of the conflict. The violations including conflict-related sexual violence against women and children have been marked as high than any other civilian violations during this period. While in transit to find better shelter, border crossings and at temporary settlements, women and children face risked attacks including exploitation and sexual violation due to their vulnerable.
Over 1,600 deaths have been reported as of May 2025 with about 60,000 severe cholera cases which the health systems are unable to attend to. The World Health Organization (WHO) have verified that over 70% of the healthcare system in Sudan have been reported non-functional due to attacks on healthcare services.
These humanitarian crises have worsened over the few months and even though actions like an integrated water, sanitation and hygiene program, child protection services and support for women and girls amongst other efforts by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are being put in place to manage the escalated humanitarian crisis; if the war and tensions are not addressed properly, there are higher risks of further deterioration in Sudan.
