Sudan war escalates, pushing millions to brink of famine

Sudan’s war has triggered the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions facing famine and aid blocked by warring factions, U.N. officials warned.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created the most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world, as warring factions block aid and lay siege to towns, U.N. officials told the Security Council on Thursday.

Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over a power struggle before a planned transition to civilian rule. The U.N. estimates nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population—over 30 million people—will need aid this year.

“The Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese Armed Forces, and other parties to the conflict are not only failing to protect civilians—they are actively compounding their suffering,” said Christopher Lockyear, head of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).

Both the SAF and RSF deny allegations of blocking aid or harming civilians. Sudan’s U.N. ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed, defended the government’s actions, stating it has a national plan to protect civilians.

Famine and disease threats

The war has triggered a severe hunger crisis. At least five locations in Sudan are experiencing famine, with over 1.3 million children under five affected, according to UNICEF chief Catherine Russell. “Over 3 million children under five are at imminent risk of deadly disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and dengue,” she said.

Sudan’s government has disputed claims of food shortages, with the Ministry of Agriculture stating this week that the food situation remains stable.

Sexual violence and war crimes

The RSF has been accused of systematic sexual violence, which a U.N. fact-finding mission described as “staggering.” The U.S. government in January determined that members of the RSF and allied militias committed genocide in Sudan.

Despite international pressure, fighting persists, worsening what the U.N. calls the “largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis” worldwide.

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