United Nations officials are sounding the alarm over the rapidly worsening crisis in Sudan, where fighting between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to devastate the country.
The conflict, which began in 2023 after tensions between the two former allies erupted, has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. Millions more have been uprooted from their homes, and aid workers say the real scale of suffering is far greater than what has been officially recorded.
Recent reports describe brutal scenes in the city of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. The Rapid Support Forces seized control of the area last month and stormed the main hospital, killing hundreds of people. Residents say fighters went door to door, attacking civilians and committing sexual violence.
The United Nations refugee agency says around 90,000 people have fled el-Fasher and nearby towns in just the last two weeks. Many are stranded in unsafe areas, unable to travel further because of the fighting or because vulnerable people—such as those with disabilities—cannot move easily.
Health officials are also warning of a deepening humanitarian emergency. Food shortages have pushed more than 21 million people into severe hunger, with famine already confirmed in some regions. Access to medical care is extremely limited, leading to deaths from treatable conditions. Cholera cases are rising as well, with thousands of related deaths.
The conflict has also left towns littered with landmines and unexploded bombs, causing more casualties as people try to flee or return home. Experts say the danger is especially high because much of the fighting is happening in crowded, urban areas.
In response to the escalating violence, the UN Human Rights Council has ordered an urgent investigation into the killings at the hospital and other abuses reportedly carried out by the Rapid Support Forces.
The situation remains dire, and humanitarian agencies are urging the international community to step up support before conditions become even more catastrophic.