Sudan’s Warring Factions Create Massive Humanitarian Crisis, Displace Hundreds After Fall of Al-Fasher

Sudan’s conflict escalated after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured al‑Fashir on Oct. 26, consolidating their control over much of Darfur and triggering mass displacement and civilian suffering.

“Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the situation in North Darfur as "horrifying"—particularly around El Fasher, which was seized by the Rapid Support Forces”

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UN agencies and Reuters reported that about 82,000 people fled al‑Fashir and surrounding areas, while as many as 200,000 may remain trapped inside after an extended siege, and survivors told UN Women of killings, disappearances of children, drone strikes and widespread sexual violence following the city's fall.

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Independent reporting documents graphic survivor testimony and a recent compilation of cases alleging sexual violence and torture, underscoring the scale and brutality of the aftermath as thousands fled under fire.

Humanitarian needs are extreme and multi-dimensional.

The UN-backed IPC analysis confirmed famine in El Fashir and Kadugli.

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UN Women and other UN officials warn that women and girls are disproportionately affected and often 'eat last and least'.

They face rising malnutrition and limited maternal care after maternity wards were looted or destroyed.

They also confront crushing costs for basic dignity items.

Agencies report soaring prices and collapsing purchasing power, with sanitary pads costing roughly $27 while typical humanitarian cash assistance is under $150 per month for a family of six.

This forces mothers to skip meals and contributes to severe acute malnutrition among infants.

Reports and survivor testimony point to widespread sexual violence that UN officials warn appears deliberate and systematic.

“The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are mobilizing to attack Babonosa, a strategic city in West Kordofan, aiming to capture the army’s 22nd division based there”

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Accounts include abductions, gang rapes, sexual slavery and torture, alongside looted maternity services and attacks that make routine survival tasks like fetching water or collecting firewood deadly for women and girls.

Human-rights investigations and media compilations document hundreds of reported cases, with one report citing 221 cases.

UN Women and other UN teams emphasize mounting evidence that rape is being used as a weapon of war and that safe spaces and psychosocial support are virtually nonexistent.

Fighting and renewed offensives outside Darfur are compounding displacement and blocking humanitarian access.

Field reports say RSF-aligned forces and allied groups have launched assaults aimed at towns in South and West Kordofan, including Dalang and Babanusa.

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Massing fighters and strikes have been reported near besieged towns.

Local reporting notes Dalang, under a two-year siege, suffered recent strikes on its main hospital and residential areas that killed civilians.

The Sudanese military reports launching aerial campaigns in response.

These operational dynamics are occurring even as a US-led ceasefire plan is discussed internationally.

International actors and UN officials are pressing for greater humanitarian access, protections, and inclusive political negotiation.

“UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned urgent international intervention is needed to stop “horrific atrocities” in El Fasher, Darfur, and said the violence could become genocide”

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They place particular emphasis on women's participation and women-led relief.

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UN Women's regional director and other UN officials call for an end to the violence, more support for women-led aid, and expanded access.

They urge urgent international action to prevent women from giving birth under fire or disappearing without justice.

Activists warn women are largely excluded from peace negotiations and urge a two-track approach to ensure meaningful inclusion.