Sudan: Darfur - War Worsens Humanitarian and Health Crisis

In the war-torn region of Darfur, Sudan, the humanitarian and health crisis has intensified as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues. Over three years since the outbreak of hostilities, the situation remains dire for civilians caught in the crossfire, facing violence, displacement, hunger, and disease.

The Rapid Support Forces have control over much of Darfur, and their recent capture of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, was marked by severe acts of violence against civilians. The United Nations has documented mass killings and sexual violence, particularly against non-Arab communities, with tens of thousands of lives lost and more than 13 million people forced to flee their homes across the country.

The risk of famine persists in various areas of Darfur and Kordofan. External support networks for the rival factions exacerbate the military operations, further deepening the crisis. The World Health Organization has urgently called for increased funding for health and humanitarian assistance, stressing the necessity of safe, continuous, and unhindered access for aid workers to reach the most vulnerable communities.

Darfur, home to approximately 65% of Sudan's 8.6 million internally displaced people, is grappling with persistent insecurity, forced displacement, inadequate infrastructure, and recurrent disease outbreaks. The recent lack of rainfall has damaged crops, increased water prices, and forced communities to travel longer distances for supplies, further intensifying food and water insecurity and potentially leading to a new public health emergency.