April 12, 2025

War in Sudan: Unprecedented hunger and displacement

The United Nations (UN) released a 10 April report stating that the 2-year war in Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, with tens of thousands dead, over 12 million people displaced, and 25 million – half the population – facing extreme levels of hunger. The report states that both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces [RSF] and Sudanese Armed Forces [SAF] have obstructed access to critically needed humanitarian assistance. “Tens of thousands more will die in Sudan during a third year of war unless we have the access and resources to reach those in need,” said Shaun Hughes, Regional Emergency Coordinator at the UN World Food Program. The Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale University used satellite data to try to estimate the scope of destruction and death, which has been estimated at between 20,000 and 150,000 deaths. They point out that the recent U.S. cuts in foreign aid have deepened the crisis.

References

Sudan faces unprecedented hunger and displacement as war enters third year

How many have died in Sudan’s civil war? Satellite images and models offer clues

 

Image: UNICEF/Osman Rajab