Sudan

15 April 2025

On 11 April 2025, groups affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces launched a large-scale offensive on Zamzam camp in North Darfur, which was hosting nearly 500,000 IDPs. The attack resulted in the reported death of hundreds of civilians, including 12 humanitarian workers. By 15 April, an estimated 400,000 people had fled to nearby localities, primarily Al Fasher, Dar Al Salam, and Tawila. Those remaining in the camp, especially young people, are being prevented from leaving. Many of the camp’s residents were already experiencing acute food insecurity, with IPC declaring Famine (IPC Phase 5) in the camp in August 2024. Displaced individuals are arriving in an advanced state of dehydration, exhaustion, and stress. Urgent needs include food, shelter, basic supplies, and protection assistance. Humanitarian responders are reporting shortages in fuel, water, and health supplies that are disrupting the humanitarian response. (OCHA 15/04/2025, IOM 14/04/2025, MSF 15/04/2025)

05 March 2025

Humanitarian needs in Sudan continue to grow, while the humanitarian response has been facing significant disruption since January 2025 because of escalating insecurity and the abrupt USAID funding freeze. In Zamzam camp in North Darfur state, where around 500,000 IDPs reside and famine was declared in August 2024, MSF and WFP suspended operations on 24 and 26 February respectively due to insecurity, halting critical malnutrition treatment and health services. In Khartoum, one of the areas most affected by conflict, around 80% of Emergency Response Rooms’ food kitchens have shut down as a result of the USAID funding freeze. Many residents rely on these locally run kitchens as humanitarian operations are limited by severe insecurity and access constraints. The suspension of these services further strains the humanitarian response, leaving many with few options to meet their critical needs. (Reuters 26/02/2025, NBC 11/02/2025, FAO 04/03/2025)

03 February 2025

In early February 2025, clashes significantly escalated in Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, after the conflict in Sudan began in April 2023. The Rapid Support Forces have intensified efforts to capture Al Fasher, the last major city in western Darfur region remaining under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces. The conflict has caused widespread displacement, and the siege imposed by the Rapid Support Forces on Al Fasher for the past ten months has led to severe restrictions on humanitarian access, worsening the food security situation. In October 2024, the Famine Review Committee detected pockets of Famine (IPC Phase 5) in localities surrounding the city, with IPC 5 also projected in Al Fasher between December 2024 and at least May 2025. Protection concerns are increasing, as the major conflict parties have a record of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity when seizing new areas. (IPC 24/12/2024, AJ 03/02/2025, STC 03/02/2025)

15 January 2025

Nearly 30.4 million people in Sudan – almost two-thirds of the population – are projected to require humanitarian assistance in 2025, up from 24.8 million in 2024 and 15.8 million in 2023 before the eruption of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. The conflict has increased needs, particularly food security, health, and protection. Half of the population is projected to face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) until at least May 2025, with famine pockets (IPC Phase 5) emerging since August 2024. Protection needs are significant in Sudan, with the fighting parties engaging in widespread acts of torture, gender-based violence, and ethnically targeted attacks. Health needs are high, with only 25% of facilities functional in conflict zones and vaccination rates dropping from 85% pre-conflict to 50% nationwide (with the coverage in some areas reaching only 30%). (OCHA 31/12/2024, IPC accessed 14/01/2025, OHCHR 29/10/2024)

10 December 2024

Insecurity and shelling have surged again in the Zamzam IDP camp in North Darfur state since 1 December because of the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, displacing over 739 households (about 3,700 people) by 7 December. At least 11 people were killed. The newly displaced have moved to Al Fasher and Dar as Salam localities in North Darfur. The 500,000 camp residents continue to be exposed to heightened insecurity and need urgent protection. The camp has been blockaded since April 2024, with armed groups restricting movement and access to essential goods and services. Insecurity is likely to further restrict humanitarian access, hindering the delivery of essential services. Food is urgently needed as famine (IPC Phase 5) conditions have been declared in the camp in August 2024. Needs for healthcare services are also increasing, with many injured people arriving at hospitals. (OCHA 05/12/2024, IOM 08/12/2024, RFI 08/12/2024)

30 October 2024

Between 20–25 October, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) increased hostilities in northern, eastern, and western Al Jazirah state, attacking around 100 towns and villages. The attacks included shootings, sexual violence, and looting. These attacks displaced more than 46,700 people mostly to Gedaref, Kassala, and River Nile states. A lack of transportation led many people fleeing on foot for as far as 164km. The RSF have also imposed a siege on the displaced people in Branko and Wad Al Fadl villages of Al Jazirah, preventing people’s movement. On 25 October, the RSF killed nearly 124 civilians in Al Seriha village, with reports of civilian properties looted, destroyed, or torched. Insecurity is limiting the movement of humanitarian staff, hindering their access to the affected areas and constraining people’s access to essential services. The displaced people urgently need shelter, food, healthcare, and protection services. (OCHA 28/10/2024, AJ 27/10/2024, TNA 26/10/2024)

30 October 2024

Clashes in West Darfur state, Sudan, have intensified, leading to a surge in the number of Sudanese refugees arriving in Chad. Since April 2023, over 680,000 Sudanese refugees have been displaced to Chad, with 49,000 arriving in October. Camps in Chad face severe overcrowding and shortages in food, water, and shelter. (IRC 28/10/2024, TNA 17/10/2024)