Sudan’s Crisis Deepens as Khartoum Faces Widespread Devastation
Written by Maxine Ansah
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Sudan’s humanitarian emergency continues to spiral, with the capital city, Khartoum, left in ruins after nearly two years of brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war, which began in April 2023, has devastated civilian life, forcing millions to flee while leaving those who remain in unimaginable conditions.
Following a recent visit to Khartoum, Mohamed Refaat, Chief of Mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), described the destruction as “unimaginable,” even by the standards of other war zones he’s worked in, including Libya and Yemen. “Electricity stations have been looted; the water pipes have been destroyed,” Refaat said, adding that the damage affects nearly every part of the city (UN News, April 5, 2025).
Refaat highlighted the plight of Sarah, an elderly maths teacher who was unable to flee the violence. Her story represents thousands of others who remain in the capital without basic services or access to humanitarian aid. “Her days were filled with horror,” he said, “surrounded by the constant threat of violence and sexual abuse.”
Funding shortages have forced many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to scale back or halt their operations. IOM is seeking $250 million to support 1.7 million people across Sudan in 2025, but less than 10% of that has been received so far (IOM, 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan).
In the past week alone, some 5,000 displaced people have arrived in Jabrat El Sheikh in North Kordofan, fleeing renewed violence in Khartoum. Others have reportedly headed west toward Um Dukhun in Central Darfur. These movements are part of a wider pattern of conflict-driven displacement across Blue Nile, South Kordofan, and other regions (OCHA Sudan Situation Report, April 2025).
Humanitarian access is also being obstructed. A UN convoy carrying vital nutrition, health, and water purification supplies remains stranded in North Kordofan due to security risks and bureaucratic delays (OCHA, April 5, 2025).
The situation is further aggravated by attacks on community-run kitchens and volunteer safe spaces, which are critical lifelines for civilians. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths and Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric both condemned the attacks, reiterating that humanitarian workers and infrastructure must be protected under international law (UN News briefing, April 5, 2025).
“At the risk of sounding like a broken record,” Dujarric said, “we remind all parties of their legal obligation to allow and facilitate impartial humanitarian relief for civilians in need.”
