Sudan displacement crisis worsens as violence escalates

Violence across Sudan has intensified in recent weeks, pushing the country’s displacement crisis to new levels. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 5 million people are now internally displaced, up from 4.2 million a month earlier, as clashes between rival armed groups spread from Darfur to the capital, Khartoum. The surge reflects a sharp rise in hostilities along key transport corridors and in densely populated urban districts, where indiscriminate shelling has forced families to abandon their homes.

The escalation has strained humanitarian operations, with aid agencies citing restricted access to conflict zones and the loss of critical infrastructure. In Darfur’s West and Central regions, an estimated 1.2 million residents have fled to temporary shelters, while in Khartoum, over 800 000 residents have sought refuge in makeshift camps and relatives’ homes. Food distribution networks have been disrupted, and health facilities report shortages of medicines and staff, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks among displaced populations. OCHA has appealed for an additional $350 million to fund emergency assistance, emphasizing the need for safe corridors and the protection of civilian populations.

UN officials and regional mediators have called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to enable aid delivery and allow displaced families to return safely. The international community is urged to bolster support for Sudan’s humanitarian response as the conflict shows no signs of abating, and the displacement figures are projected to rise further if hostilities continue.