Sudan's forgotten war leaves millions hungry as global attention remains elsewhere

Sudan is experiencing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises, with over 14 million displaced and nearly 34 million needing aid since hostilities began in April 2023. The conflict, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated into a regional war, yet global attention remains elsewhere. Millions face acute hunger, and 4.5 million have fled the country. Both factions are accused of atrocities, with the RSF facing particular scrutiny for widespread sexual violence, abductions, and ethnically targeted attacks, including acts that meet criteria for genocide. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on the Sudanese Armed Forces for alleged chemical weapon use.

Sudanese refugees fleeing war and atrocities in their homeland are now facing severe water shortages in camps in eastern Chad. Over 938,000 Sudanese have sought refuge in Chad since April 2023, with many living in overcrowded camps where water access is critically low. Humanitarian organizations like Solidarites International are struggling to meet the escalating needs due to insufficient funding, leaving refugees like Rokhia Ibrahim and Zahra Khamis, who endured horrific violence and loss during their escape, in a desperate struggle for survival. The lack of clean water exacerbates health issues and diminishes hopes of returning home.

Families in Sudan are facing severe hunger and displacement due to ongoing conflict, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan regions. Marasi Alfadil's family fled el-Fasher in North Darfur after its takeover by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, where a UN investigation found the takeover bore "hallmarks of genocide." Prolonged sieges have led to critical shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, causing markets to collapse and creating a famine crisis. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declared famine in November, with hundreds of thousands remaining in el-Fasher and other areas at risk. The conflict has severely limited humanitarian access, exacerbating the devastating effects on food security.