More than 334,000 people have been forced from their homes in Sudan, as officials warn the ongoing fighting could spark a “full-blown catastrophe.”
Fierce Fighting Rages in Khartoum Despite Ceasefire
Though a ceasefire was meant to hold, battle continues in the capital Khartoum between Sudanese army forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Diplomats are scrambling to broker peace talks, possibly set to begin soon, as the violence shows no sign of easing.
The conflict has already killed over 500 people and injured more than 4,000. Air strikes thunder over Khartoum as the military targets RSF positions. Meanwhile, the RSF claims they downed a MiG fighter jet in the city – a claim yet to be confirmed independently.
Violence Spreads to Darfur – Refugees Flee to Egypt and Chad
Heavy clashes have also engulfed Darfur in western Sudan. Thousands are escaping across borders into Egypt and Chad. While most European nations have evacuated their citizens, one country is sending four military planes to airlift over 200 people, including its own nationals and those from allied nations.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Looting and Attacks
Conditions in Khartoum have worsened drastically. Food, water, and electricity supplies are critically low. Aid shipments are stuck in warehouses, blocked by rampant looting and ongoing violence. Healthcare facilities face repeated attacks; some have even been turned into military bases.
“Up to 26 healthcare facilities have been attacked, with tragic losses of medical staff and civilians,” reported the WHO’s regional director.
The UN’s humanitarian coordinator warns the conflict risks turning Sudan’s already dire crisis into a catastrophic emergency. Before the fighting, one-third of Sudan’s population needed aid, with 3.7 million people internally displaced, mostly in Darfur.
