Sudan’s ‘forgotten’ civil war declared world’s ‘worst humanitarian crisis’ — African Union

The ongoing civil war in Sudan, now entering its second year, has led to what the African Union (AU) has called the “worst humanitarian crisis in the world.”
The conflict between Sudan’s military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and left hundreds of thousands of children malnourished, with dire shortages of food and medical assistance, officials warn. Since the war erupted in April 2023, more than 12 million people have been displaced, and the civilian toll continues to mount. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, chairperson of the AU High Level Panel on Sudan, has warned that the war “has hampered access to humanitarian relief, led to shortage of food and aggravated hunger,” thus exacerbating the suffering of women, children, and the elderly. As of 2024, hospital admissions for malnutrition in Sudan have spiked by 44%, with over 431,000 children requiring treatment. Reports of human rights abuses, such as attacks on schools, hospitals, and forced recruitment of child soldiers, have further compounded the crisis.
In addition to the internal devastation, the war has triggered a massive refugee crisis. Neighboring countries like South Sudan, Chad, and Ethiopia are struggling to manage the influx of Sudanese refugees, further destabilizing the region. Despite the gravity of the situation, international attention and aid remain insufficient, prompting calls for greater global solidarity and a concerted diplomatic push for peace in Sudan. A recent analysis by Modern Diplomacy, titled ‘The Human Toll of Sudan’s Forgotten War’, has warned that “the Sudanese civil conflict continues to cause a relentless humanitarian crisis, which has only partially emerged into the limelight with minimal international coverage.” The African Union has stressed that a political resolution, rather than military action, is necessary to end the conflict and restore stability to the country.