Sudan Crisis Deepens Amid Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Collapse
Mohamed Refaat, Chief of Mission in Sudan for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), offered a stark account of the devastation in Khartoum following his recent return from the war-torn capital. Once inaccessible due to intense conflict, the city is now under the control of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), although the humanitarian crisis remains dire.
Unrelenting Conflict
Violence erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and its former ally, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), plunging Sudan into ongoing conflict. Civilians continue to suffer the most, as intense recent battles have raged across Khartoum, much of which was previously dominated by the RSF.
Shocking Levels of Destruction
Refaat, a seasoned humanitarian who has previously worked in conflict zones like Libya and Yemen, described the scale of destruction in Khartoum as “unimaginable.”
“Everywhere I went—power stations looted, water systems destroyed,” he said. “It’s not isolated damage. It’s widespread across all the areas I visited, including both residential and administrative zones. It’s basic infrastructure—what people need to stay alive—that’s been systematically destroyed.”
He emphasized that rebuilding efforts will require massive investments to support the eventual return of displaced residents.
Stories of Survival
Refaat recounted the story of Sarah, an elderly math teacher who remained trapped in Khartoum. Her experience underscores the daily terror many civilians face. “Sarah’s days were filled with horror. She saw loved ones die, homes crumble, and faced constant threats of violence and sexual assault,” he said.
“She stayed not by choice, but out of necessity. There was simply no way for her to flee—she had neither the physical ability nor transportation.”
The humanitarian aid system is fraying under the pressure. With limited funding, many NGOs have significantly reduced their operations, leaving vulnerable people like Sarah without help.
Funding Crisis Grips Relief Efforts
“The funding gap is enormous,” said Refaat. “It’s not just government support that’s dried up—diaspora networks and private charities have also pulled back.”
IOM has appealed for $250 million to assist 1.7 million people in Sudan this year. So far, less than 10 percent of that target has been met. Urgent needs include medical supplies, clean water, shelter, education, and health services.
Mass Displacement Continues
According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, violence and fear of extrajudicial killings have driven thousands of civilians out of Khartoum. Many are now seeking refuge in places like Jabrat El Sheikh in North Kordofan state, where humanitarian partners report dire shortages of food, clean water, and healthcare.
Others have fled toward the Central Darfur town of Um Dukhun. The UN and its partners are currently working to verify these population movements.
A Broader Displacement Crisis
The recent displacement from Khartoum is part of a wider trend of forced movements across Sudan, sparked by conflict in regions such as Blue Nile and South Kordofan.
“The situation is extremely complex,” said Dujarric. “While some people are fleeing violence, others are attempting to return home—to places where basic infrastructure has often been obliterated.”
Efforts by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to deliver aid in South Kordofan have faced serious obstacles. A convoy loaded with nutrition, health, and water purification supplies remains stuck in North Kordofan’s capital, Al Obeid, due to insecurity and administrative delays.
Community Relief at Risk
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher condemned rising attacks on community kitchens and safe zones run by volunteers. In a recent social media post, he reminded all parties that volunteers and aid workers are essential to people’s survival and must be protected.
“No one helping others should be targeted,” Dujarric reiterated. “Under international humanitarian law, all sides are obligated to allow safe, unimpeded, and impartial access to aid—regardless of who or where the civilians are.”
As Sudan’s crisis deepens, aid agencies continue to urge the international community for urgent support to prevent further suffering and loss.
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