Which Sudanese conflict, entering its second year in 2025, caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises?

The devastating conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, is widely recognized as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises and has tragically continued to rage throughout 2025 and beyond. This internal struggle has plunged the nation into chaos, displacing millions and creating an urgent need for aid across the country.

The current civil war stems from a power struggle between two key military factions: the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti. These two groups had previously collaborated in a 2021 coup but their escalating rivalry for control ultimately erupted into open warfare, particularly in the capital Khartoum and the Darfur region.

The humanitarian consequences have been catastrophic. The conflict has caused the largest displacement crisis globally, with over 12 million people forced to flee their homes, either internally or as refugees to neighboring countries. Sudan also faces an extreme food crisis, with millions experiencing acute food insecurity and famine conditions confirmed in several areas, exacerbated by disrupted agricultural production and aid blockages. Reports of widespread human rights violations, including sexual violence and targeted attacks on civilians, further underscore the severe impact on the population.