Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are fighting for power and control of the country. For civilians, the conflict has created a humanitarian catastrophe of historic proportions.

More than 13 million people have been displaced, according to figures cited in the source material. Around nine million have been displaced within Sudan, while approximately 4.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan and Egypt.
At the same time, millions of people are facing hunger. Access to food, medicine and other essential supplies has collapsed or been severely disrupted across many parts of the country.

El Obeid: A City Under Enormous Pressure

The situation is particularly alarming in El Obeid, a major city in central Sudan. With a normal population of around 500,000, the city is under enormous pressure as it receives large numbers of displaced people.
According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), more than 100,000 people in the area are already receiving assistance.
Humanitarian operations, however, are being severely affected by insecurity, fuel shortages and dangerous transport routes.
Food deliveries cannot always be carried out reliably. For people who have already fled their homes and lost almost everything, every additional day without secure access to food and basic necessities becomes a struggle for survival.

The United Nations has therefore warned of a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Humanitarian Corridors Pope Leo XIV has also expressed deep concern over the situation in Sudan, particularly the crisis in El Obeid.
He called on those responsible to guarantee humanitarian corridors for civilians, allowing desperately needed assistance to reach affected communities.
At the same time, he appealed to the international community to support efforts toward an immediate ceasefire.
The Pope’s appeal highlights the urgency of the situation. Without safe access to affected areas, humanitarian organizations can operate only under extremely difficult conditions.

Darfur Remains Gripped by Violence

Severe violence continues to be reported from Darfur.
According to Emergency Lawyers, 35 people were killed in a drone strike on the village of Garra al-Sawaja, which was reportedly under RSF control.
According to the reports, civilians had gathered there to attend traditional hearings concerning local cases and disputes.
Among those reportedly killed were four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders.
The incident once again demonstrates how dangerous the situation has become for civilians. Even places where communities are attempting to maintain local structures and a degree of normal life are not protected from the violence.

Millions Trapped Between Hunger and Displacement

The war has devastated large parts of the country and forced millions of people from their homes.
Many displaced Sudanese are living in camps or makeshift shelters. Others have crossed international borders in search of safety.
Countries such as Chad and South Sudan are themselves facing serious humanitarian challenges. Hosting large numbers of refugees places additional pressure on already fragile systems.
The consequences of the Sudan war therefore extend far beyond the country’s borders. It has become a regional humanitarian crisis.

A Power Struggle with Devastating Consequences

At the center of the conflict are the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. While the armed parties fight for political and military control, civilians continue to bear the heaviest burden.
Homes have been destroyed, families separated and livelihoods wiped out. Hospitals and other essential services have been severely disrupted in many areas.
For millions of Sudanese people, the war is not an abstract political struggle. It means hunger, fear, displacement and the loss of their livelihoods.

The International Community Cannot Look Away

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan must not become a forgotten crisis.
The international community must continue working to protect civilians, establish safe humanitarian corridors and ensure humanitarian organizations can reach people in need.
At the same time, serious diplomatic efforts are needed to end the fighting and create a path toward a political settlement.
A ceasefire alone will not undo the devastation caused by the war. But it could create the urgently needed space to expand humanitarian assistance, protect civilians and prevent further bloodshed.

Sudan Needs More Than Headlines

Behind every statistic are human beings.
Behind the millions of displaced people are families who were forced to abandon their homes. Behind the hunger figures are children and adults who do not know where their next meal will come from. Behind every report of a death is a person with a family, hopes and a life destroyed by war.

Sudan is facing a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous proportions.

The international community must not wait until another city falls or another massacre makes international headlines.
Sudan needs attention. Sudan needs humanitarian assistance. And above all, Sudan needs peace.

Sources

– Agence France-Presse (AFP) — reporting on the situation in Sudan
– United Nations (UN) — humanitarian situation and conditions in El Obeid
– World Food Programme (WFP) — hunger, displacement and humanitarian assistance in Sudan
– Vatican News — statements and appeals by Pope Leo XIV
– Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) — humanitarian situation in El Obeid
– Emergency Lawyers — reports concerning human rights violations and attacks in Sudan