The skeletal silhouette of a child scavenging for scraps against the backdrop of a crumbling refugee camp in Adré, Chad – a scene documented by UK Foreign Office Minister David Crouch – encapsulates the harrowing reality of Sudan’s protracted conflict. The 1,000-day mark of the devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), punctuated by a staggering 140,000 women and children displaced into camps like Adré, represents a critical juncture demanding unwavering international attention. This relentless struggle, defined by atrocities, famine, and the weaponization of violence against women and girls, underscores a profound failure of global governance, necessitating a decisive and urgent response to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives.
The roots of this contemporary crisis are deeply embedded in Sudan’s complex history, stretching back to the 1989 coup led by Omar al-Bashir and the subsequent fragmentation of the country. The 2019 ouster of Bashir following the Khartoum protests, intended as a path toward democratic transition, instead unleashed a power vacuum exploited by the SAF and the RSF, initially under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti). The 2018 delisting of the RSF from the US list of terrorist organizations, ostensibly to facilitate their role in the transition, ironically bolstered their power and exacerbated the conflict. Treaties like the 1983 Protocol of Abyei, designed to resolve border disputes between Sudan and South Sudan, remain largely unimplemented, fueling ongoing tensions and proxy conflicts. Understanding this historical context is paramount to grasping the motivations of key stakeholders – the SAF, seeking to maintain control and regional influence; the RSF, vying for dominance and fueled by significant economic interests; and regional powers like Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, each with their own strategic calculations and backing for specific factions.
The situation is further compounded by the involvement of external actors. According to analysis by the International Crisis Group, the conflict is increasingly characterized by a “regionalized conflict of power, proxies and profit,” driven by the illicit trade in arms and resources. “The conflict in Sudan has quickly become a magnet for external actors, who are exploiting the country’s instability to advance their own interests,” explained analyst Nimat Abdel Nour in a recent briefing. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates a dramatic increase in arms transfers to Sudan since 2023, with countries including Russia, the UAE, and Egypt significantly contributing to the escalating flow. The potential for spillover effects is substantial, threatening regional stability in Chad, South Sudan, and the broader Horn of Africa.
The humanitarian consequences are devastating. As Minister Crouch witnessed, the conflict has created the world’s largest refugee crisis, with over 9.4 million people internally displaced and a staggering 30 million requiring assistance – roughly equivalent to the entire population of London. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that up to 7 million people face imminent famine. “The current level of humanitarian need is unprecedented,” stated WFP Executive Director Cindy Rodriguez in a January press conference, highlighting the challenge of delivering aid amidst ongoing violence and deliberate obstruction by warring parties. The UK has been a significant provider of assistance, committing £146 million this year alone, alongside additional support for food, shelter, and healthcare, demonstrating a recognition of the immediate need. However, as Crouch stated, “aid alone won’t solve this crisis – we need an immediate and urgent ceasefire.”
Recent developments paint a grim picture. Reports from El Fasher, the scene of intense RSF attacks, detail unspeakable atrocities, including mass graves and blood-soaked sand – evidence meticulously documented by human rights organizations. The deliberate obstruction of humanitarian access, exemplified by the SAF allegedly preventing aid deliveries to areas like Kutigiri, reveals a calculated strategy to exacerbate the crisis and inflict maximum suffering. The UK’s decision to fund a £20 million programme to support survivors of rape and sexual violence, announced in response to harrowing accounts from women in Adré, represents a vital step in addressing this horrific consequence of war. The revelation of 3 sisters raped in a single incident by RSF forces further underscores the brutality of the conflict. “We’re seeing a deliberate strategy of targeting women and girls,” stated Dr. Amira Mohammed, a trauma specialist working with survivors in Sudan, “the mental and physical scars will be felt for generations.”
The international community’s response, while acknowledging the severity of the situation, has been characterized by cautious diplomacy and a reluctance to impose decisive pressure. The US-led “Quad” coalition – comprised of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt – is attempting to broker a ceasefire, but faces resistance from the warring parties. The African Union’s role, while crucial, is complicated by the inherent challenges of mediating between deeply entrenched factions. The upcoming UN Security Council presidency held by the UK offers a crucial opportunity to exert pressure, but will require a united front and a willingness to confront the obstructionist tactics of certain member states. A key element will be the implementation of targeted sanctions against individuals complicit in the atrocities, as announced by the UK.
Looking ahead, the short-term outlook remains bleak. Without a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis will continue to worsen, with the risk of widespread famine and disease. The potential for the conflict to spread to the Kordofan regions, potentially involving neighboring countries, poses a significant threat to regional stability. However, the long-term outcome hinges on the ability of Sudanese civil society, supported by the international community, to drive a sustainable peace process. The Berlin conference, convened by the UK and Germany, is a crucial step, but will require sustained engagement and a commitment to empowering Sudanese voices.
Ultimately, the fate of Sudan rests on the shoulders of its people, but the international community has a moral and strategic imperative to act decisively. Let 2026 be the year the world listens to the women of Sudan, not the military men who are perpetuating this conflict. Let 2026 be the year that the world comes together to drive urgent new momentum for peace.