Sudan on Tuesday reached a grim milestone — two years of a brutal war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, displaced over 13 million people, and sparked what the United Nations describes as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis — with no sign of a ceasefire or resolution.
The conflict erupted on April 15, 2023 between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The capital, Khartoum, swiftly became a warzone, with streets littered with bodies and civilians either fleeing en masse or left to endure siege-like conditions.
“I’ve lost half my bodyweight,” said 52-year-old Abdel Rafi Hussein, who remained in RSF-held Khartoum until the army retook control last month. “We’re safe now, but still suffering — there’s no water, no electricity, and most hospitals are shut.”
The army’s retaking of Khartoum marked a rare victory after a year of setbacks. Many residents celebrated what they called the “liberation” from RSF control — an armed group widely accused of looting, sexual violence, and even genocide. Despite that development, the RSF continues its offensive in western Sudan, attempting to capture El-Fasher — the last state capital in Darfur still held by the army.
International Alarm, But No Negotiations
As Sudan descended deeper into chaos, international diplomats gathered in London on Tuesday to discuss steps to end the violence. But notably absent were representatives from either warring faction.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stressed the urgency of international involvement, warning, “Instability must not spread — it drives migration from Sudan and the wider region. A safe and stable Sudan is vital for our national security.”
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi condemned what he called “indifference from the outside world,” warning that the humanitarian consequences will be “catastrophic” unless action is taken. “Sudanese civilians are besieged by war, abuses, hunger and indignity,” he said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed those sentiments on the eve of the anniversary, noting that civilians “continue to bear the brunt” of the conflict.
Though an exact death toll remains elusive due to the collapse of Sudan’s healthcare system, former US envoy Tom Perriello estimated as many as 150,000 people may have been killed. Both sides have been accused of targeting civilians, shelling residential areas, and obstructing aid efforts.
Currently, 25 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, and eight million are on the brink of famine.
Children and Camps Under Fire
Children have suffered disproportionately in the war. According to the UN, at least 2,776 children were killed or maimed across 2023 and 2024 — a staggering rise from 150 the previous year. “This war has shattered the lives of millions of Sudanese children,” said UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
The Zamzam displacement camp in Darfur, home to nearly a million people, has endured famine-like conditions since last year. It was reportedly attacked again last week by RSF forces, killing at least 400 people, according to the UN.
Control of El-Fasher remains a strategic target for the RSF, whose grip on Darfur would be solidified with its capture. Analysts say the group is also pushing to secure border areas and supply routes, effectively cementing Sudan’s division.
Currently, the army controls the country’s north and east, while the RSF dominates Darfur and parts of the south in cooperation with allied forces.
On Monday, Guterres called for an immediate end to the external support and arms transfers fuelling the war. “Those with the most influence must use it to improve life for the Sudanese people — not prolong this disaster,” he urged.
Sudan has accused the United Arab Emirates of arming the RSF — allegations both the RSF and the Gulf nation deny.
