Sudan is living through one of the world’s deadliest and least-covered conflicts, a civil war that has shattered entire cities and forced millions to flee with nothing but the clothes on their backs. What began as a power struggle between two military leaders has spiraled into a humanitarian catastrophe, leaving families cut off from food, medicine, and safety as the country fractures under relentless violence.
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Let’s unpack the turmoil behind this crisis, and break down why the United Nations has declared this conflict the “epicenter of suffering in the world.” Here’s what you should know.
Where Is the Conflict Happening?
The war is raging across Sudan, with especially intense fighting in Darfur and the capital, Khartoum, per BBC. Cities, rural areas, and displacement camps have all become battlegrounds for armed forces to solidify power.
History of Violence in Darfur
Darfur has long been a site of ethnic and political tension, with major violence erupting in 2003 when Arab militias known as the Janjaweed, or “Devils on Horseback,” were mobilized against non-Arab rebel groups, per Britannica. That war — classified as a genocide — was nicknamed the “Land Cruiser War.”
How Conflict Began in April 2023
In April 2023, fighting broke out between Sudan’s official Army Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), breaking a fragile power-sharing deal where both forces planned to integrate — which didn’t happen, per Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) represent the traditional military and are led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, per BBC. It was reported that SAF and RSF carried out a coup together, but are now battling one another for power.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The Rapid Support Forces are a powerful Sudanese paramilitary group led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as “Hemedti,” per Al Jezeera. This is the group who recently seized el-Fasher, subjecting thousands to terror.
Why Are SAF and RSF at War?
Economic resources remain at the forefront of war between the SAF and RSF. A violent rivalry over gold, including mining, production, and smuggling, drives much of this ongoing conflict, per Chatham House.
Over 11 Million Have Been Displaced
It’s been reported that 250,000 people in el-Fasher, western Sudan, remain trapped within a sand barrier built amid an 18-month long stranglehold on the area by the RSF, per NBC News. According to the United Nations, over 11 million have been displaced.
The Severity of the War
NBC reported that experts estimate that tens of thousands have been trapped in the city, while earlier this month, the Sudanese government reported 2,000 killed by the RSF. While some families were able to flee, thousands are still missing.
The RSF Seized Control of El-Fasher
The WHO reported that 46 health workers have been killed in el-Fasher since the start of the conflict, an estimated 460 patients and companions killed, and six health care workers abducted. In October, the UN reported that el-Fasher is sheltering 652,000 displaced while more than 36,000 have fled the region.
Civilian Accounts of Terror
“When people are coming out of the area, they are reporting widespread violence, sexual abuse, civilians who are sometimes being shot on sight,” Director General of the UN migration agency, Amy Pope, stated during a briefing. “Many described leaving the area and seeing dead bodies along the way.”
What’s the Current Update?
Since the RSF seized el Fasher in October, the paramilitary has reportedly blocked aid and relief while continuing their attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis. And while communications remain down, satellite images have recently surfaced, exposing the bloody horror of the active civil war.
The UN Declares El-Fasher a “Horror Show”
On Nov. 17, Tom Fletcher of the UN labeled Sudan’s crisis the “epicenter of suffering in the world,” describing the suffering in el-Fasher as “a horror show and a crime scene.” The relief coordinator also called for the Security Council and member states to clarify the need for humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability.
It’s Time to Raise Awareness
With evidence of ethnic violence, targeted massacres, and deliberate attacks on civilians, many experts warn that Sudan is suffering under violence reminiscent of a genocidal past. For this reason, the global community can’t afford to look away.
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