The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued a call for expanded international humanitarian assistance to Sudan, citing a widening gap between escalating need and available funding. IFRC Special Envoy Derk Segaar, speaking from Geneva following a visit to the country, characterized Sudan as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises while remaining inadequately resourced and underreported globally.
The conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group began in April 2023, resulting in at least 59,000 confirmed deaths according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data monitoring organization. Humanitarian organizations contend the actual death toll is substantially higher. Segaar outlined the crisis’s scope, noting that 35 million people require humanitarian assistance, more than 9 million have been internally displaced, and approximately 4.5 million have fled the country. The conflict has affected all of Sudan, with major cities including Khartoum experiencing severe shortages of electricity, clean water, and healthcare services, while populations face additional threats from cholera, malnutrition, and flooding.
Military leadership has articulated ambitious combat objectives. Sudanese Army Lieutenant-General Yasser al-Atta stated in recent remarks to soldiers that forces are advancing across multiple fronts with the goal of eliminating the RSF before the end of the year. Recent operations have resulted in the military and allied forces capturing several strategic positions along a key road in North Kordofan state. The three Kordofan states have experienced continuous fighting since October 2025.
International diplomatic efforts are proceeding concurrently with military operations. A coalition of five organizations—including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the European Union, and the League of Arab States—engaged in consultations with Sudanese civilian political parties to advance political dialogue and implement confidence-building measures. The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan is simultaneously engaged in discussions with RSF leadership to address escalation concerns.
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