Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Escalating Conflict
Published 3 November 2025
Highlights
- A drone strike in Sudan's North Kordofan killed at least 40 mourners, with the RSF blamed for the attack.
- Over 36,000 people have fled the Kordofan region following the RSF's capture of El Fasher in Darfur.
- The UN and ICC have reported mass killings, sexual violence, and famine in El Fasher and surrounding areas.
- The RSF and Sudanese armed forces are vying for control of El Obeid, a strategic hub linking Darfur to Khartoum.
- International calls for a ceasefire continue, but peace talks have repeatedly failed.
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Rewritten Article
Sudan's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Escalating Conflict
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as violence intensifies between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A recent drone strike on a funeral in North Kordofan has left at least 40 mourners dead, with the RSF accused of carrying out the attack. The incident occurred in al-Luweib village, near the strategic city of El Obeid, which connects Khartoum to the Darfur region.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns
The capture of El Fasher by the RSF has triggered a mass exodus, with over 36,000 people fleeing the Kordofan region since late October. The International Organization for Migration reported that many displaced individuals are heading to Tawila, a town already sheltering more than 652,000 people. The situation in Sudan has been described as "horrific" by Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who noted the repetition of history in Darfur.
Allegations of War Crimes and Famine
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is actively collecting evidence of alleged war crimes, including mass killings and sexual violence, in El Fasher. Witnesses have reported RSF fighters committing atrocities against civilians. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has declared famine in El Fasher and Kadugli, with 20 other areas in Darfur and Kordofan at risk.
Strategic Battles and International Response
Both the RSF and SAF are vying for control of El Obeid, a crucial logistics hub. The RSF recently claimed control of Bara, a city north of El Obeid. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the violence, emphasizing the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis. Despite international efforts, including a US proposal for a truce, peace talks have repeatedly failed.
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Scenario Analysis
The ongoing conflict in Sudan poses significant challenges for both regional stability and international humanitarian efforts. If the violence continues unabated, the humanitarian crisis could worsen, leading to further displacement and famine. The ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes may increase international pressure on the RSF and SAF to reach a ceasefire. However, the entrenched positions of both sides suggest that a diplomatic resolution may remain elusive in the near term. The international community's continued engagement and support will be crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and fostering long-term peace in Sudan.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached alarming levels as violence intensifies between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A recent drone strike on a funeral in North Kordofan has left at least 40 mourners dead, with the RSF accused of carrying out the attack. The incident occurred in al-Luweib village, near the strategic city of El Obeid, which connects Khartoum to the Darfur region.
Mass Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns
The capture of El Fasher by the RSF has triggered a mass exodus, with over 36,000 people fleeing the Kordofan region since late October. The International Organization for Migration reported that many displaced individuals are heading to Tawila, a town already sheltering more than 652,000 people. The situation in Sudan has been described as "horrific" by Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, who noted the repetition of history in Darfur.
Allegations of War Crimes and Famine
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is actively collecting evidence of alleged war crimes, including mass killings and sexual violence, in El Fasher. Witnesses have reported RSF fighters committing atrocities against civilians. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has declared famine in El Fasher and Kadugli, with 20 other areas in Darfur and Kordofan at risk.
Strategic Battles and International Response
Both the RSF and SAF are vying for control of El Obeid, a crucial logistics hub. The RSF recently claimed control of Bara, a city north of El Obeid. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the violence, emphasizing the rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis. Despite international efforts, including a US proposal for a truce, peace talks have repeatedly failed.
What this might mean
The ongoing conflict in Sudan poses significant challenges for both regional stability and international humanitarian efforts. If the violence continues unabated, the humanitarian crisis could worsen, leading to further displacement and famine. The ICC's investigation into alleged war crimes may increase international pressure on the RSF and SAF to reach a ceasefire. However, the entrenched positions of both sides suggest that a diplomatic resolution may remain elusive in the near term. The international community's continued engagement and support will be crucial in addressing the immediate humanitarian needs and fostering long-term peace in Sudan.
