Summary (tl;dr)

Sudan is currently grappling with an intensifying civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis marked by widespread displacement, famine, and regional instability.

Essential Background

The current conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023, stemming from a violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti). This conflict followed a 2021 military coup that derailed the country's transition to democratic rule. Sudan has a long history of internal conflicts, including a protracted civil war from 1983 to 2005 that ultimately led to the secession of South Sudan in 2011. The ongoing hostilities are approaching their third year, with devastating consequences for the civilian population.

The Full Story

Recent developments indicate a continued escalation of fighting across Sudan, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The Sudanese army recently announced it had recaptured the Al Kayli area near the Ethiopian border in the southeastern Blue Nile region from RSF forces and their allies, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-North). Concurrently, an RSF-led alliance reported that an army drone strike in South Kordofan killed more than a dozen civilians. Tensions have also flared with neighboring Ethiopia, as Sudan accuses Addis Ababa and the United Arab Emirates of involvement in recent drone attacks on strategic locations, including Khartoum airport, allegations both countries deny. The leader of the RSF has declared his forces are prepared to wage war for decades if necessary.

The humanitarian crisis is spiraling, with nearly 25 million people—over half of Sudan's population—experiencing acute food insecurity. Famine conditions have been confirmed in areas like el-Fasher in North Darfur and Kadugli in South Kordofan, with many other districts at severe risk. The conflict has resulted in the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 12 million people forced from their homes. The country's healthcare system has largely collapsed, and infectious diseases, such as cholera, are rampant. International humanitarian efforts are severely hampered by access restrictions and a critical lack of funding, with the United Nations' 2026 humanitarian appeal for Sudan currently only 16% funded. The United States is actively pressing for a humanitarian ceasefire and has warned against the conflict devolving into a broader proxy war, noting reports of various countries supplying weaponry to the warring factions.

Why It Matters

The protracted conflict in Sudan represents a profound threat to regional stability and an unprecedented human catastrophe. The widespread famine, mass displacement, and collapse of essential services are causing immense suffering and loss of life, with millions facing starvation and disease. The potential for the conflict to become a prolonged proxy war, fueled by external actors, risks further destabilizing the already fragile Horn of Africa region, potentially drawing in more countries and leading to broader humanitarian and security crises. The global community's insufficient attention and funding shortfalls for humanitarian aid are exacerbating the crisis, leading to concerns about state collapse and a deepening human rights emergency, including alarming reports of widespread sexual violence and acts that a UN fact-finding mission identified as having the "hallmarks of genocide" in Darfur.

Geographic Location

• Al Kayli area, Blue Nile region, Sudan (Sudanese army recaptured from RSF and SPLM-North forces)
• Al-Kurmuk, Blue Nile region, Sudan (RSF-allied forces captured on March 24, 2026; nearby Al Kayli area recaptured by SAF)
• South Kordofan, Sudan (Site of an army drone strike killing civilians)
• Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan (Confirmed famine conditions)
• Kalogi, South Kordofan, Sudan (Drone strike on kindergarten and hospital in December 2025)
• Khartoum International Airport, Khartoum, Sudan (Accused of drone attacks)
• el-Fasher, North Darfur, Sudan (Confirmed famine conditions; fell to RSF in late October 2025)
• Khawr al-Hassan area, Blue Nile region, Sudan (SPLM-North seized control)
• East Gallabat, Gedaref State, Sudan (Sudanese army strengthened military deployment)
• Basunda, Gedaref State, Sudan (Sudanese army strengthened military deployment)
• Al-Fashaga regions, Gedaref State, Sudan (Sudanese army strengthened military deployment)
• Abu Zabad, West Kordofan, Sudan (Nearby road where a civilian truck was hit by a drone strike)
• Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia (Sudan accused Ethiopia of launching drones from an airbase here)
• Casale Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy (U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made statements on Sudan)