Sudan has been in the news recently, but it is tough to understand what is truly going on in the country. The situation there is messy, and it isn’t getting the attention that it deserves. Moreover, people there are in need of urgent help. Through this blog, we will help you understand the facts, answer some frequently asked questions and also help you understand how you can help. Read on to know what is happening in Sudan.
What is going on in Sudan?
Sudan, as a country, is no stranger to difficult times. It has seen years of conflict, politics as well as economic struggles. However, in April 2023, the situation there worsened really fast. A war broke out between two big military groups, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the official army of the country and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary organization that has significant influence. It began in the capital of the country, Khartoum, and has spread across Sudan like wildfire.
At its core, this is a fight over who is in charge. Both the groups, the SAF and the RSF were at one time on the same team and even worked together to push out Sudan’s long-term dictator, Omar al-Bashir, in the year 2019. Naturally, people had high hopes back then; they thought peace and civilian government would finally be possible, but that didn’t last. In the year 2021, the military took over once again, and the bad blood between these two groups built up until it led to a full-blown war. In April 2025, if we look at the damage, it is staggering. Millions of people have been affected. Over 14 million people have been forced to leave their homes. Some are still living in Sudan, while others have crossed over to places like South Sudan and Chad. The United Nations has said that it is the most devastating humanitarian as well as displacement crisis in the world.
The facts: The extent of the damage
Let us break down some details to help you understand how severely the war has impacted the country.
Number of people displaced: Millions of people have been displaced within Sudan. Over 3 million people though, have fled to neighboring countries. Entire towns are deserted.
Hunger: Half of the population of Sudan, that is around 25.6 million people, don’t have enough to eat. In North Darfur, famine has already set in, and families and even kids have been severely impacted.
Health crisis: Around 70% of hospitals that were located in conflict zones have shut down. Moreover, diseases like cholera and malaria are spreading fast since people have little to no access to medical care and clean drinking water.
Problems related to children: Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, and 17 million can’t even go to school. The war has stolen the childhoods of countless children in the country.
Death toll: It is difficult to mention an exact number, but a large number of people have lost their lives. However, it is estimated, as per reports, that tens of thousands to even 150,000 people have passed away due to the war.
The situation in the country is really bad. Families are left with nothing, and those who still continue to live there are fighting to survive daily.
FAQs
Q1. What started the war in Sudan?
A. It is about power. After Bashir, the dictator was driven away from Sudan, the SAF, which was led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF, which was led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, were supposed to share control and transition to civilian rule. However, the two groups clashed over how to combine their forces and over who would lead, which turned into a fight.
Q2. How are people in Sudan getting by?
A. People in the country are facing a lot of hardships, and they are barely getting by. Many people are trapped in makeshift camps in the country and are dependent on whatever help they get. Refugees in Chad, mostly the kids and women, are starving and exhausted. Groups are trying to do their bit and help, but sadly, so many people need help, and the situation is so bad that it hasn’t been enough.
Q3. Is this just Sudan’s issue?
A. Not really. Counties like South Sudan, Chad, and Egypt are taking in refugees. However, these countries are also already dealing with their own problems. The longer this situation lasts, the more it could lead to problems in the region.
Q4. Why isn’t news about Sudan all over the news?
A. It is tough to say. Often, other crises grab the headlines, and maybe some people are worn out by bad news. Still, the United Nations keeps drawing attention to the fact that Sudan is being sidelined, and it is hard to disagree.
The current situation in Sudan
Statistics only show so much, but we need to understand that there are real people behind them. Imagine how it is for people in Sudan, waking up to the sounds of blasts and living in fear that their homes will be destroyed. Children’s lives have also been impacted negatively. Instead of going to school and studying, they are living in constant fear of losing their lives. Moreover, women and girls also face a constant threat of sexual violence.
As mentioned before, there is also a severe scarcity of food. In North Darfur’s Zamzam camp, where 400,000 people are currently living, famine hit last year. Parents have been forced to skip meals so that their children can eat. Despite their sacrifices, they are still running short on supplies. This is the reality for millions of people in Sudan.
How can you help?
There are a number of ways in which you can help. You could donate to NGOs that are working on the ground to help the people in Sudan by providing them with essential supplies like food, water and medicines. Raise awareness about the situation there by talking about the issue with your family and friends and sharing relevant articles and resources with them. No matter how you help, it makes a difference. Through our efforts, we can help shed light on the issue in Sudan and help those who are suffering.
Why does it matter?
This isn’t just about Sudan alone. It is much more than that. It affects the prices of food everywhere, makes the whole area less safe and also changes how countries deal with refugees. But more than that, it is about being kind and empathetic. Over 30 million people in Sudan need help, and we can’t ignore this fact. Experts say that it could lead to a terrible famine if we don’t do anything to address the situation right now. We cannot let this happen.
Conclusion
The crisis in Sudan is heartbreaking, and it is unfair that so many people there are suffering every day. Millions of people have been displaced, families are going hungry, and children’s childhoods have been stolen from them, all because of the war. The situation there is not getting any better. In fact, every day things are getting worse. The longer this continues, the more difficult it will be for people to rebuild their lives. The truth is that Sudan and its people need our help, now more than ever.
While we may not be able to stop the war, we can do our bit to help those suffering. We can raise awareness about the situation on the ground and support NGOs and organizations that are working in Sudan to help those in need. Every little bit counts and can go a long way.
It is easy for one to feel helpless when crises like these occur, but history has shown that when people come together, they can create real change and a positive impact. Every day, the people in Sudan are fighting to survive, and they need urgent help.
You can head to equalall to support NGOs that are working hard on the ground to help the people in Sudan. Your donation will be used to provide life-saving aid like medicine, shelter, food and other supplies to those who are unwell or injured, have been forced to flee their homes, families and children who are hungry and lack access to clean drinking water. Millions of people have been displaced, as mentioned earlier, and time is quickly running out. NGO workers and volunteers are also working in very challenging conditions, often putting their lives on the line to help others and deliver life-saving aid to them. But they can’t do it alone. Your support can go a long way in helping them reach more people, save more lives and give hope to those who have lost everything.