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

According to a statement released by TPLF authorities, federal forces advanced through the Shererina area, targeting TPLF positions close to the Ethiopia–Sudan frontier. The claims have not been independently verified, and the Ethiopian government had not issued an official response at the time of publication.

Separately, Sudanese sources reported that Ethiopian forces have also advanced toward the Um Barakit border sector, describing the deployment as an apparent attempt to reinforce Ethiopia’s position around the disputed Al-Fashiga region from both the Tigray and Um Barakit fronts.

The reported military movements have prompted concerns among regional observers, who warn that the situation could further destabilize the Horn of Africa if tensions continue to escalate along the Ethiopia–Sudan border.

Some Sudanese and regional sources have also alleged that the latest operation was coordinated or encouraged by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following recent battlefield gains by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and allied groups in North Kordofan against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Those allegations have not been independently verified, and neither the UAE nor Ethiopian authorities have publicly responded.

The developments come as both Ethiopia and Sudan continue to face complex security challenges, with unresolved border disputes and ongoing armed conflicts contributing to heightened regional uncertainty.

Developing Story

This is a developing situation. Further updates will be provided as official statements and independently verified information become available.

President Salva Kiir has invited General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan to Juba, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, stabilizing borders, and expanding trade cooperation. The invitation, delivered by National Security Adviser Tut Gatluak, comes as the UAE‑backed RSF loses ground militarily, signaling a shift in Sudan’s balance of power. While this development may not immediately end the conflict, it offers a pathway toward dialogue and a glimmer of hope for peace in Sudan and the wider region.

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has officially invited General Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, to visit Juba. The invitation was delivered by Kiir’s National Security Adviser, Tut Gatluak, during meetings in Khartoum, and Burhan accepted. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral ties, address border stability, and expand trade cooperation.

The purpose of the visit centers on several key priorities: reinforcing the historic bilateral relations between Sudan and South Sudan; addressing border stability challenges, particularly in the Abyei region; ensuring the continued transit of South Sudanese crude oil through Sudanese pipelines; advancing plans to establish joint trade zones along the border; and coordinating broader efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

The economic interdependence between Sudan and South Sudan remains central, as South Sudan exports nearly all of its oil through Sudan, while Sudan depends on the transit fees as a vital source of revenue. Despite ongoing tensions surrounding Abyei’s potential inclusion in South Sudan’s upcoming elections, both governments continue to demonstrate commitment to dialogue. The invitation also carries a broader geopolitical signal, highlighting Juba’s role as a mediator and Sudan’s interest in stabilizing relations amid its ongoing civil war.

The invitation carries several important implications. Diplomatically, it offers an opportunity to reset relations and strengthen engagement following recent disputes. Economically, the establishment of joint trade zones could stimulate cross‑border commerce and enhance cooperation. From a security perspective, the discussions are expected to address measures against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and broader regional instability, underscoring the shared interest in promoting peace and stability.

From my perspective, the invitation comes at a time when the UAE‑backed RSF is steadily losing ground on the battlefield. This shifting military balance adds weight to the diplomatic engagement, as Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) gain leverage both domestically and regionally. Against this backdrop, Burhan’s acceptance of President Kiir’s invitation underscores the strategic importance of strengthening ties with South Sudan while projecting confidence in Sudan’s evolving position.

Equally, the invitation signals that Abu Dhabi has lost its diplomatic privilege within President Kiir’s administration. This shift could potentially sever one of the logistical lifelines sustaining the UAE‑backed RSF, undermining its capacity as a war ally in Sudan.Indeed, the recent diplomatic development between Sudan and South Sudan may not immediately silence the guns in Sudan. Nevertheless, it represents a significant step forward—a tunnel that could eventually lead to the cessation of the war and illuminate a path of hope for peace, not only for Sudan and its people but also for the wider region.

Sources:

• References
• The Citizen News 
• Radio Tamazuj

According to military statements, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia suffered heavy losses in personnel and military equipment during the clashes. The operation is being viewed as a significant step toward restoring security and stability in southeastern Sudan, a region that has experienced intense conflict and instability in recent months.

The Sudanese military emphasized that the offensive is part of a broader strategy aimed at reestablishing state authority, protecting civilians, and eliminating armed groups from key territories. Analysts believe the recent gains could strengthen the government’s position and influence the balance of power across several regions of the country.

Regional observers also noted the strategic importance of the Blue Nile area due to its role in transportation routes and regional security dynamics. Continued military advances by SAF could reshape the security landscape and impact future political developments within Sudan.

Despite the military progress, humanitarian concerns remain critical, with international organizations continuing to call for civilian protection and unrestricted humanitarian access to affected communities.

The latest developments highlight a shifting momentum in the conflict and signal a new phase in Sudan’s ongoing struggle for stability, sovereignty, and national security.

The operation came after more than five days of intense fighting, during which government forces regained control following heavy clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

The recapture of Al-Kaily is considered a significant military achievement for the SAF, given the town’s strategic location in the border region and its wider importance for regional security.

Analysts monitoring Sudan’s crisis argue that the SAF’s success carries implications beyond Sudan’s internal battlefield. They suggest that this development represents a major strategic setback for Abu Dhabi and caution that it could potentially open a new front of confrontation involving Ethiopia, a close ally of the UAE.

Tensions in Blue Nile State remain high, as ongoing clashes between armed groups continue to undermine stability in the area.

Sources:
Anadolu Agency – Sudanese army captures Al-Kili area in Blue Nile from RSF
MSN News – Sudanese army recaptures strategic town of Al-Kaily in Blue Nile