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CWA # 1543, 27 November 2024
NIAS Africa Studies
The Humanitarian Crises in Sudan: The Scale, Response and Regional Impacts

  Samruddhi Pathak

On 16 September 2024, the European Council of Foreign Relations issued a report that almost half of the Sudanese population is facing a food and water crisis. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan has resulted in acute food insecurity, displacement, and lack of access to basic services. This crisis is caused by the civil war, long-term political instability, armed conflict and economic stagnancy in the country. 

The current crisis is an outcome of the ongoing war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)  since April 2023. The power struggle between the two military factions escalated into widespread violence, particularly in the capital Khartoum and the western Darfur region. The fighting has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, mass displacement, and a collapse of government services and the economy. 

State of humanitarian crisis
First, the scale of displacement. On 6 June, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that nine million Sudanese had been internally displaced across the 18 states in the country. By late 2023, the UN estimated that over seven million people had been internally displaced within Sudan, the highest in the world. More than one million refugees have fled to neighbouring countries including Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. The majority of citizens are living under acute conditions and are dealing with the absence of basic services like hygiene, food and electricity. Many refugee camps are overcrowded.

Second, food insecurity. The conflict has severely disrupted the agricultural sector, food supply chains and availability across the country. Before the war, Sudan was already dealing with economic challenges and climate impacts. The war has further increased food insecurity. The World Food Programme has confirmed a famine in the Zamzam camp in the north Darfur region. It has also warned that around 26 million people, around 50 per cent of the entire population, might face famine-like conditions by the end of 2024. 

Third, the healthcare crisis. Sudan's healthcare system has collapsed because of the war. Many hospitals and clinics have been damaged, looted, or forced to close due to insecurity and lack of supplies. Healthcare workers have fled or been unable to reach their facilities. This has resulted in millions of citizens being deprived of access to essential health services. As a result, the country struggles with malnutrition, lack of maternal care, vaccinations and treatments for chronic diseases. Outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera and measles have also been reported.

Fourth, security concerns. Civilians across Sudan face grave security risks amid the ongoing violence. There have been widespread reports of indiscriminate attacks on residential areas, sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, and other human rights violations by armed actors. Vulnerable groups including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse.

Fifth, economic collapse. Sudan's economy has been shrinking since the conflict began. The country is hit by hyperinflation, shortages of basic goods and the collapse of financial systems. The majority population, therefore, struggle to afford food and other essentials. The government employees have not been paid. The UN estimated that 80 per cent of the population is now living below the poverty line.

Impact beyond Sudan
First, regional impact. The crisis in Sudan is having significant spillover effects on neighbouring countries. The influx of refugees is straining resources in countries like Chad and South Sudan. These countries are already facing their own humanitarian challenges. There are concerns about further regional destabilisation if the conflict is left unresolved.

Second, challenges to aid delivery. Humanitarian organisations face difficulty in delivering aid to distressed public across Sudan. Problems in delivering aid include insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, looting of supplies and attacks on aid workers. Several areas remain inaccessible to humanitarian actors.

Third, international response. The international community has been criticised for a slow and inadequate response to the crisis in Sudan. While some humanitarian funding has been provided, it falls far short to suffice the needs of the Sudanese population. Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and proposals for a political solution have been unsuccessful. There are calls for greater engagement from regional and global powers to address the root causes of the conflict and support a peaceful resolution.

Way forward
Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan requires a multi-faceted approach and measures. For example, urgent scale-up of humanitarian assistance to meet immediate needs for food, healthcare, shelter, and protection. Then, continuous diplomatic pressure on conflict parties to agree to a ceasefire and allow unhindered humanitarian access. Increased funding from international donors to support the humanitarian response can also help the public. Support for local civil society organisations. Apart from these, accountability for human rights violations and support for justice processes.

The situation in Sudan reminds of the devastating human cost of conflict and the importance of conflict prevention and early action. It also highlights the interconnected nature of humanitarian crises. It depicts the amplifying effect of climate change, economic instability and regional dynamics on an ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by a domestic power struggle. 

As the crisis continues, commitment from the international community will be crucial. This includes not only immediate humanitarian support but also diplomatic engagement, development assistance and support for long-term peacebuilding and reconstruction efforts. 

Ultimately, a permanent solution to the crisis in Sudan must be led by the Sudanese public. Supporting inclusive dialogue, strengthening civil society and empowering local communities to drive their own recovery will be essential. 

Abou the author
Samruddhi Pathak is a Research Assistant at NIAS.

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