The ongoing conflict in Sudan has displaced millions of people. Here’s how the International Committee of the Red Cross is helping impacted communities.
We need to stand together to support countries and communities in need. This WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY, we’re putting the spotlight on one of the International Committee of the Red Cross’ current humanitarian missions: helping people affected by the conflict in Sudan. Learn about the history of the political crisis and what the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is doing to support the Sudanese people.
How it started
The conflict, a power struggle between Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), began in April 2023; both are military factions fighting for control over Sudan. The nation has been in a state of turmoil as far back as 2003, when the Darfur conflict, which killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more, began. Climate change has also compounded humanitarian need, as floods and droughts have led to the displacement of many.
These two warring factions were previously allies, who united to overthrow the Sudanese dictator, Omar al-Bashir, in 2019. Despite promises of democracy and reform, the two groups ousted the civilian elected government in a second coup in 2021. Since then, SAF and RSF have been at odds — and despite promises of ceasefire, violence persists as these calls are often violated.
The current situation
Battles and heavy fighting in Khartoum have devastated the capital and the conflict has created a wide scale humanitarian crisis impacting neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan and Egypt. 3,000 people have been killed by the war, 6,000 more injured. 2.6 million people have been displaced within Sudan, 750,000 more have attempted to migrate across borders. 195,000 refugees have been forced to return to South Sudan — a country afflicted by instability, violence, hunger and insufficient living conditions.
The people impacted by the civil war in Sudan are also facing a hunger crisis. One in 10 children impacted by the war are malnourished; 2-2.5 million people are expected to face acute hunger. Funding to support the people impacted by the crisis has been extraordinarily dismal — more money is needed to help Sudanese families find safety and receive access to integral resources like food, water and medical care.
Negotiations are critical to encourage an end to the violence in Sudan, but so far there has been no success. Negotiations were attempted in Egypt on July 13, with a committee including the SAF leader and Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who created a plan for the two military groups in Sudan to have a ceasefire. But despite repeated announcements, and further global interventions, both have failed to make an impact.
How the International Committee of the Red Cross is helping
The International Committee of the Red Cross is dedicated to helping the people of Sudan survive under devastating conditions. On August 11, the ICRC delivered a two-months supply of rice, lentils, oil, sugar, and more essentials to 1,500 Sudanese people seeking refuge in Al Jazeera state. The ICRC has also coordinated medical care throughout the region for people in need. Their efforts across the border in Chad are aimed at reconnecting families who have been separated by the conflict in Sudan. The ICRC has successfully reconnected 558 families — providing hope in a time of despair.
Support for the ICRC has a direct positive impact on Sudan — creating a glimmer of hope for the families impacted by violence. The ICRC relies on our support in order to provide necessary assistance for communities in need. Together, we can help Sudan.
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