Sudan's Ongoing Conflict Brings Unprecedented Suffering, UN Warns
UN Official Urges Immediate Action
“Now more than ever, two years on, the people of Sudan need your action,” emphasized Edem Wosornu from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) during a briefing to the Security Council on Wednesday.
She described nearly two years of relentless conflict as having devastated Sudan, turning parts of the country into a “hellscape” and inflicting immense suffering on millions.
The ongoing battles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have created a dire humanitarian crisis. Over 24.6 million people—more than half the country’s population—are facing acute hunger. Additionally, more than 12 million people have been displaced, including 3.4 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. The collapse of health services, mass displacement, and widespread sexual violence have further compounded the catastrophe.
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Escalating Violence in Key Regions
Ms. Wosornu underscored alarming developments in North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam displacement camp, as well as in Khartoum and southern regions of Sudan.
Eight months after the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2739 (2024)—which demanded that RSF forces halt their siege on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur—civilians remain under attack.
Violence in and around the Zamzam camp has intensified, placing hundreds of thousands of civilians at risk. Famine conditions have already been confirmed in the camp, where satellite imagery indicates the use of heavy weaponry and destruction of vital infrastructure, including market facilities.
“Terrified civilians, including humanitarian workers, were trapped when the fighting peaked. Many were killed, including at least two aid workers,” Ms. Wosornu reported.
Due to the deteriorating security situation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the primary provider of health and nutrition services in the camp, has been forced to halt operations. Additionally, the World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended its voucher-based food aid program.
The WFP warned that unless urgent assistance reaches those in need, thousands could face starvation in the coming weeks.
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Humanitarian Crisis Spreads
Beyond Zamzam and North Darfur, civilians continue to suffer from fierce fighting in Khartoum. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has verified reports of summary executions in territories that have changed hands between warring factions.
Ms. Wosornu expressed deep concern about the growing risks faced by local responders and aid workers—both in Khartoum and other conflict zones.
Meanwhile, fighting is expanding into new areas in North Kordofan and South Kordofan, making it even more difficult for humanitarian aid to reach affected populations. In White Nile state, reports indicate a series of deadly attacks earlier this month, with scores of civilians killed.
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Urgent Need for Humanitarian Support
Amid escalating suffering, the UN has launched its 2025 Humanitarian Response Plans for Sudan and neighboring countries. The appeal calls for $6 billion to support relief efforts for nearly 25 million Sudanese people, as well as up to five million refugees who have fled to surrounding nations.
Ms. Wosornu urged the international community, particularly members of the UN Security Council, to take decisive action to mitigate the crisis.
She outlined three urgent requests:
1. Enforcing International Humanitarian Law – Governments and influential actors must ensure all parties to the conflict protect civilians and vital infrastructure.
2. Ensuring Humanitarian Access – Unhindered and unfettered access must be granted to aid organizations so they can deliver essential supplies to those in need.
3. Securing More Funding – The unprecedented scale of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis demands an equally unprecedented global response, including flexible financial support.
“The situation in Sudan is dire,” Ms. Wosornu stressed. “We must act now to prevent further catastrophe.”
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