Two Years of War in Sudan – Displacement Surges Amid Dire Aid Shortages
Source: UNHCR press briefing
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Two years into Sudan’s devastating war, the country faces the world’s largest displacement crisis with nearly 13 million people forced to flee their homes. Of these, almost 4 million have sought refuge in neighbouring countries including Egypt, South Sudan, Chad, Libya, Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, and Uganda. The second year of the war alone saw over 1 million people displaced.
The ongoing conflict has brought reports of mass killings, systemic sexual violence, and widespread human rights abuses. Half of those fleeing are children—many unaccompanied—adding to what has become the largest refugee crisis on the African continent.
While there has been a recent lull in fighting in Khartoum and some families are returning to urban areas like Omdurman, Wad Madani, and Jazeera State, these returns are minimal compared to the millions still displaced. The infrastructure in these cities remains in ruins, and access to essential services is scarce. UNHCR and its partners are working to support those who choose to return, but the scale of destruction is vast.
At the same time, humanitarian funding is at record lows—currently under 10% of what’s required for the regional response. The UNHCR warns that this shortfall is crippling critical operations. Within Sudan, half a million displaced people may soon lose access to clean water, raising the risk of cholera outbreaks. In border areas like Chad and South Sudan, over 280,000 people remain stranded in makeshift shelters without adequate access to healthcare, water, or protection.
In Uganda, the arrival of Sudanese refugees alongside those fleeing the DRC has overwhelmed schools and essential services. Overcrowded classrooms are discouraging enrolment, with girls at higher risk of early marriage and boys more likely to pursue unsafe work or onward movement.
Safe spaces for women and girls are shutting down due to budget cuts, depriving tens of thousands of vital care and protection. As options dwindle, more Sudanese are seeking refuge further afield, with a 38% increase in arrivals to Europe in early 2025.
Despite these enormous pressures, neighbouring countries have kept their borders open and local communities continue to share limited resources. UNHCR and its partners are calling for urgent increases in both humanitarian and development funding to help host countries manage the influx and to support eventual recovery for returnees.
A lasting political solution remains essential. Without peace, the displacement and suffering will only deepen.
