Washington, DC., 17 April 2025 ——
This week marks two years of war in Sudan. The conflict erupted on 15 April 2023, as a violent power struggle between the Sudanese military, led by General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). What began as a political dispute has escalated into a full-scale civil war, engulfing regions from Khartoum to Darfur and the Gezira area, and causing widespread atrocities and a severe humanitarian crisis.
The brutal war has devastated the nation, marked by numerous massacres, ethnic cleansing, particularly against non-Arab groups like the Masalit, and sexual violence. The RSF has been implicated in genocide, while both sides have committed war crimes, including the looting of Sudan’s National Museum and attacks on civilians and displacement camps.
Displacement in Sudan
Sudan is currently grappling with one of the most severe displacement crises in modern history. Since the eruption of the conflict in April 2023, the nation has seen the forced displacement of over 13 million people – one in three Sudanese are displaced – approximately 25% of its population. This included nearly 7.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 5.5 million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic.
Displaced individuals often find themselves in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters, lacking access to basic necessities like clean water, healthcare, and education. Displaced children are particularly vulnerable. Over 2.8 million children under age five have been displaced. Many live in unstable conditions without adequate protection or services.
The humanitarian situation is dire. Famine, disease, and a lack of medical supplies and aid have further crippled the country. Nearly half of Sudan’s population faces acute food insecurity, with famine conditions declared in parts of Darfur. More than 25 million facing acute hunger, and at least 3.6 million children are suffering from malnutrition.
Recent massacres in Darfur refugee camps have resulted in 300 deaths, further exacerbating the crisis. The war has caused economic collapse, with GDP falling by 40%, rampant disease outbreaks, and critical underfunding of humanitarian efforts – only 6.3% of needed aid funding has been secured. Experts warn that neither side appears capable of a decisive victory, and aid access remains limited as violence continues, leaving millions in desperate need.
The Flow of Weapons into Sudan
The conflict in Sudan is being fueled by a constant flow of weapons into the country, often in flagrant breach of existing arms embargoes. Investigations have identified recently manufactured or recently transferred arms and ammunition from countries including China, Russia, Serbia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen. These arms are being imported in large quantities into Sudan and, in some cases, diverted into Darfur, exacerbating the violence and civilian suffering.
Advanced weaponry, including drones and armored vehicles, has been supplied to both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF. For instance, the UAE has been accused of supplying drones and munitions to the RSF, while Iran has reportedly provided drones and artillery to the Sudanese military. These foreign arms supplies have been instrumental in escalating the conflict and prolonging the suffering of civilians.
The United Nations has condemned the continued flow of weapons into Sudan, calling it “unconscionable” and urging an end to such supplies. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the external support of the flow of weapons must stop, as they are enabling the continuation of tremendous civilian destruction and bloodshed.
Human rights advocates have called for tougher actions against countries fueling the conflict, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response to address both the humanitarian crisis and the arms trade that sustains the war.
International Response and Challenges
International efforts, including a UK-led international peace conference aimed at establishing a contact group to facilitate ceasefire talks, have yet to yield significant progress. The response has been fragmented, with key regional actors supporting opposing factions, further complicating peace efforts. Key Arab states – Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE refused to sign a joint communique. This stalemate highlighted deep divisions and marked a significant setback in efforts to end Sudan’s civil war. The RSF’s recent territorial gains in Darfur and the announcement of a rival government have further complicated peace efforts. As of April 2025, Sudan remains engulfed in one of the worst humanitarian disasters globally.
Efforts to address the crisis have been hampered by ongoing conflict and inadequate funding. The UN and humanitarian groups, including The Genocide Report, have launched appeals for billions of dollars to provide essential aid, yet funding remains limited. While over $1 billion in humanitarian aid has been pledged by international donors, including the UK, the EU, and Germany, a lack of political will and the ongoing flow of weapons into the country continue to hinder meaningful progress toward peace.
As Sudan enters its third year of civil war, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. The international community must prioritize Sudan’s crisis by increasing humanitarian assistance, supporting peace initiatives, and ensuring the protection of civilians and displaced populations. Without a concerted and unified global sustained effort, the situation is poised to deteriorate further, with devastating consequences for millions of Sudanese civilians, the country, and the wider region.
Photo Credit: Aftermath of fighting in North Darfur by UNAMID. Licensed under CC BY NC ND 2.0.
Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, an NGO nonprofit organization in Washington DC. She is the author of Assad’s Syria, and Stories from Yemen: A Diary from the Field, available in e-books, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and independent booksellers worldwide. Distributed by Ingram Publishing. Ms. Kajs frequently speaks about atrocity crimes, forced displacement, state terrorism, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Follow and connect with Lara Kajs on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.