SUDAN – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarm over the deepening humanitarian emergency in Sudan, citing rising violence, mass displacement, and heavy rainfall that threatens to further restricts access to aid.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, the UN expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, where fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has intensified. Local source confirmed that a large number of RSF fighters entered the city on Friday. Marking their first major presence inside El Fasher since the siege began over a year ago.
Clashes have erupted across several neighborhoods, particularly in the southwest and eastern parts of the city, leading to civilian casualties. Humanitarian agencies fear that the renewed fighting could trigger further displacement and hamper the already constrained delivery of life-saving assistance.
Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, worsening insecurity has driven thousands from their homes. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), at least 3,400 people were displaced over the weekend alone due to a spike in violence. Local reports indicate widespread destruction, including the burning of homes and the killing of civilians in multiple villages, adding to the strain on humanitarian efforts.
The situation is compounded by seasonal rains across parts of West and Central Darfur, which have caused severe flooding in some areas. Aid workers warn that they heavy rainfall could cut off key roads and isolate already vulnerable communities at a time when the risk of disease outbreaks and flood-related hazards is growing.
Despite the bleak outlook, there are reports of limited returns in some areas of West Darfur. Local authorities in the region said that displaced Sudanese families who had sought refuge in neighboring Chad have begun returning to their homes in Serba, Jebel Moon, and Kulbus. Officials estimate that around 40 people are returning to Kulbus daily, with approximately 300 returnees recorded over the past week. Many of those returning are attempting to reclaim and cultivate their farmland ahead of the planting season.
OCHA renewed its call for all parties to the conflict to comply with international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure. The agency stressed the urgent need for unhindered and secure humanitarian access to reach those most in need across conflict-affected areas.
The humanitarian toll of Sudan’s protracted conflict continues to rise. According to the UN, more than 30 million people across the country require humanitarian aid and protection in 2025, a staggering figure that underscores the scale of the crisis. Aid agencies are appealing for increased international funding to scale up operations and respond to the growing needs.
Sudan now in its 27th month of conflict, with fighting erupting in April 2023 between the SAF and the RSF. What began as a power struggle has evolved into one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, displacing millions internally and across borders. Critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities has collapsed in many parts of the country, leaving communities without access to essential services.
As violence continues so spread and access to humanitarian assistance becomes more difficult, the UN and its partners are warning that immediate, coordinated action is needed to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Sudan.
