Sudan Enters Fourth Year of Civil War Amid Worsening Crisis

Sudan marked three years since the onset of a devastating civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as reported by Democracy Now!. The conflict began after a power struggle following a military coup in 2021, which upended civilian-led democratic reforms that had ousted longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and systemic sexual violence against civilians.

As the war enters its fourth year, Sudan faces what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Nearly 34 million people require assistance, with estimates of civilian deaths ranging from 11,000 to potentially 400,000 according to Democracy Now!. The conflict has displaced millions and created severe food shortages, particularly in North Darfur and South Kordofan, where many residents receive only one meal a day.

The war's economic toll is severe. Sudan's power grid, already compromised before the conflict, has collapsed further due to fuel shortages exacerbated by regional tensions from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Fuel prices have surged over 40% in weeks, driving up costs for transport and basic goods according to Al Jazeera. The Sudanese pound has lost 20% of its value recently, further straining livelihoods.

The conflict has created a clear geographical division between eastern and western Sudan. According to Al Jazeera, the Sudanese army controls northern, central, and eastern states as well as the capital Khartoum, while the RSF holds Darfur and large parts of Kordofan. The military situation remains deadlocked in these regions despite some territorial shifts.

International efforts to address the crisis include a Berlin conference where donors pledged $1.5 billion in humanitarian aid, as reported by Al Jazeera and confirmed by BBC News. However, the conference excluded representatives from both the SAF and RSF, drawing criticism from Sudan's foreign ministry for its 'colonial tutelage approach.' The African Union has called for renewed ceasefire efforts amid concerns about divisions within Sudan's civilian camp.

The humanitarian situation remains dire. A joint report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Intersos found that about 14 million people have been displaced over three years. Simultaneously, 26 million people face acute food insecurity, while 33.7 million require humanitarian assistance according to Al Jazeera.

Despite some improvements in security in certain areas, the International Organization for Migration reports that about 3.99 million people had returned to their homes as of April, mainly to Khartoum and Gezira. Of these, 83 percent are internally displaced people and 17 percent returned from abroad. More than 13 million people remain displaced or refugees, including about nine million within the country.

The appointment of Kamil El-Tayeb Idris as prime minister in May 2025 marked a significant political development, with the formation of a civilian government for the first time since Abdalla Hamdok's resignation in January 2022. The government officially returned to Khartoum after operating from Port Sudan as a temporary capital since August 2023.

Diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. have so far failed to end the conflict, which continues to receive support from regional powers according to Democracy Now!. Military researcher Mohamed al-Amin al-Tayeb described the third year of war as a state of stagnation, with neither side achieving a decisive victory.