Introduction
The conflict in Sudan, now entering its fourth year, has escalated into the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, pushing millions to the brink of starvation and destabilizing the wider East African region.
What began as a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023 has spiraled into a brutal civil war with devastating consequences for its people and neighboring countries.
The Deepening Humanitarian Catastrophe
The scale of human suffering in Sudan is staggering. As of June 2026, estimated 33.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Nearly two out of every five people face emergency-level hunger, with reports of famine exacerbating the already dire
situation.
The conflict has severely disrupted supply chains, leading to soaring fuel and food costs, and hindering the delivery of crucial aid.
The war has forced millions from their homes. Hundreds of thousands have fled to neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
These mass displacements place immense strain on already fragile host communities and exacerbate regional instability.
Regional Spillover and Destabilization
The conflict’s impact extends far beyond Sudan’s borders, creating significant challenges for its neighbors.
The Central African Republic (CAR), which has been making progress towards peace and security with the support of MINUSCA, is particularly affected.
Ambassador Jeff Bartos, United States Representative for U.N. Management and Reform, noted in June 2026 that spillover from the conflict in Sudan destabilizes the northeast of CAR.
He personally witnessed this 60km west of the border with Sudan in Birao during a visit in February. Eastern Chad has also been severely impacted, with about one million refugees and returnees from Sudan pushing into isolated and impoverished areas.
Renewed fighting in the El Fasher region of Sudan in October 2025 forced an estimated 26,000 people to flee
into eastern Chad alone.
Key Actors and Escalation
The conflict primarily involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group.
The war, which erupted in Khartoum, has intensified across multiple fronts. Reports indicate that infighting among RSF allies has been rising since the RSF consolidated control over the Darfur region in October 2025.
Furthermore, an alleged UAE-Sudan conflict is reportedly disrupting the RSF supply chain, shifting the military balance.
The Path Forward
The international community faces a monumental challenge in addressing the Sudan crisis.
Efforts are needed to secure a lasting ceasefire, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and support a political process that leads to a stable and inclusive government.
The longterm peace and stability of Sudan, and by extension the wider region, depend on the sustained international engagement and a renewed commitment to diplomatic solutions.
