Sudan Displacement Crisis: Tens of Thousands Flee Homes
In recent days, North Darfur has witnessed a devastating surge in violence, prompting thousands of families to abandon their homes. The United Nations migration agency reported that from January 25 to 27, 2025, around 3,960 households were displaced from various villages in the El-Fasher locality, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The turmoil is largely attributed to the actions of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023. These forces have managed to seize control of nearly every state capital in the western region of Darfur, with the exception of El-Fasher, which has faced a blockade since May. Recently, the RSF issued an ultimatum demanding that army forces and their allies vacate the city.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Impact
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the recent displacements were directly linked to brutal RSF attacks, which included looting and setting ablaze personal properties. Local activists have indicated that the paramilitary forces have resorted to heavy artillery fire targeting residential neighborhoods within El-Fasher, further exacerbating the crisis.
A particularly tragic incident occurred on Friday when a drone strike, believed to be carried out by the RSF, hit the city’s only operational hospital, resulting in the deaths of 70 individuals. This attack drew sharp condemnation from the United Nations, underscoring the lethal impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians.
Dire Humanitarian Conditions
The UN has estimated that nearly 1.7 million people are currently displaced within North Darfur. In addition to this, approximately two million individuals are experiencing severe food insecurity, with 320,000 facing conditions classified as famine. The situation is particularly dire in and around El-Fasher, where famine has already taken hold in three displacement camps—Zamzam, Abu Shouk, and Al-Salam.
A recent UN-backed study projects that by May, the famine could expand to five additional areas, including the city of El-Fasher itself. This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as the conflict continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in catastrophic consequences, claiming the lives of tens of thousands and displacing more than 12 million people. The UN describes this crisis as the most severe displacement situation in the world today.
As the violence in Darfur escalates, international attention is crucial to address the pressing needs of those affected and to work towards a resolution to the conflict that has devastated so many lives.
