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Sunday 22/02/2026

Sudan Landslide Triggers Humanitarian Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict

Landslide destruction in Sudan's Marra Mountains village
James OkoroJames Okoro

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A devastating landslide in the Marra Mountains, western Sudan, has claimed over 1,000 lives, leaving only one survivor, according to the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.
  • The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, has completely destroyed the village of Tarasin, prompting urgent appeals for international humanitarian aid.
  • The ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, with millions displaced and thousands killed.
  • Darfur's governor, Minni Minnawi, has called the landslide a "humanitarian tragedy" and urged international organizations to provide immediate assistance.
  • The conflict in Sudan has led to severe famine and accusations of genocide, with the International Criminal Court investigating alleged war crimes.

A catastrophic landslide in the remote Marra Mountains of western Sudan has resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, with only one survivor reported. The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM), which controls the affected area, confirmed the tragedy following days of relentless rainfall that led to the disaster on Sunday.

The village of Tarasin has been "completely levelled," according to a statement from the SLM. The group has urgently called for assistance from the United Nations and other international aid organizations to help recover bodies and provide relief to the affected region. The Marra Mountains, a refuge for many displaced by the ongoing civil war, now face a dire humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Appeals and Ongoing Conflict

Darfur's governor, Minni Minnawi, described the landslide as a "humanitarian tragedy" that surpasses the region's capacity to cope. He appealed to international humanitarian organizations for immediate intervention, emphasizing the critical need for support. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified, particularly in Darfur, exacerbating the region's humanitarian challenges.

The civil war, which erupted in April 2023, has plunged Sudan into one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. With famine declared in parts of Darfur, the conflict has displaced millions and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including ethnically motivated violence.

Challenges in Delivering Aid

The ongoing fighting has made much of Darfur, including the landslide-affected area, largely inaccessible to international aid organizations. This has severely hampered efforts to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance. The SLM, while controlling parts of the Marra Mountains, has largely remained out of the direct conflict but now faces the challenge of addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the landslide.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The landslide in the Marra Mountains underscores the urgent need for international intervention in Sudan's escalating humanitarian crisis. As the civil war continues to ravage the country, the delivery of aid remains a significant challenge due to ongoing hostilities. The international community's response will be crucial in addressing both the immediate aftermath of the landslide and the broader humanitarian needs in Darfur.

The involvement of the International Criminal Court in investigating alleged war crimes could potentially lead to increased international pressure on the conflicting parties to reach a resolution. However, the deeply entrenched ethnic and political tensions in the region suggest that a long-term solution may remain elusive without sustained international diplomatic efforts.