Sudan’s civil war hits three-year mark with mass displacement, famine, and stalled aid. SAF, RSF hold opposing regions as conflict drags on.
Sudan’s Civil War Enters Third Year as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Now entering its third year, Sudan’s civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to reshape the country’s political future and unleash one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.
The ongoing power struggle has not only divided Sudan’s military command but also fractured the nation’s territorial integrity, with each faction controlling different regions.
🧭 Internal Link: Explore our Sudan conflict timeline: 2023–2025
Origins: From Alliance to Armed Conflict
The conflict erupted in April 2023 after rising tensions over military integration plans and power-sharing agreements. Though initially allies in the 2019 ouster of President Omar al-Bashir, the SAF and RSF quickly turned on each other amid disputes over leadership and the future of Sudan’s armed forces.
A key flashpoint was the RSF’s resistance to merging into the national military, sparking violent clashes in major cities.
🧭 Internal Link: See our deep dive on Sudan’s transition after al-Bashir
SAF Reclaims Ground—but RSF Holds Darfur
In March 2025, the SAF announced the recapture of the presidential palace in Khartoum, a symbolic gain after months of bloody urban warfare.
“This victory symbolizes our commitment to restoring national sovereignty,”
—Information Minister Khaled al-Aiser
Yet, the RSF continues to control large swathes of western Sudan, especially Darfur, where it has reportedly set up a parallel administration with its own governance and security structures.
Humanitarian Disaster: “The Situation Is Dire”
The human cost has been staggering:
- Tens of thousands killed
- Over 8 million displaced, according to the UN OCHA
- Famine, cholera outbreaks, and collapsed health services
Local NGOs and doctors warn that food supplies are dwindling while aid corridors remain blocked. One Sudanese aid worker shared:
“The situation is dire; international aid is desperately needed but remains insufficient.”
🧭 Internal Link: Special report: Sudan’s famine risk zones mapped
International Response: More Promises Than Action
Though international donors have pledged over £500 million, actual delivery has been minimal. According to The Guardian, only a fraction of the promised funds has reached the ground.
Critics blame geopolitical interests, citing a lack of sustained pressure on both warring factions.
“The world watches as we suffer, prioritizing politics over human lives,”
—Sudanese civil society activist, Khartoum
Outlook: A Prolonged and Fragmented War
According to the International Crisis Group, the likelihood of a political resolution remains slim. With SAF entrenched in Khartoum and RSF consolidating in Darfur, Sudan risks fracturing into de facto autonomous zones.
“Without decisive international intervention, Sudan risks descending further into chaos,”
—Crisis Group analysis, March 2025
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