War in Sudan: How much longer can civilians endure?

Satellite shows neighbourhoods burnt in Sudan, Daily Mail, 2025

How long can a nation survive when every day brings new battles and displacement? This question hangs over Sudan as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to escalate into its second year with no ceasefire in sight.  

The war, which began in April 2023 after months of tension between rival generals has intensified across multiple regions of Sudan. What initially began as a struggle for power in Khartoum, the capital has progressed into a nationwide catastrophe. The RSF has widened its control over significant portions of land in Darfur, while the SAF still holds territory in the east. Both sides have increasingly launched attacks relying on drones and heavy artillery, resulting in enormous amounts of casualties and destroyed cities. Cities that were once commercial hubs are now damaged and their shops abandoned.

The humanitarian situation is alarming. According to UN agencies, Sudan now faces one of the world's largest displacement crises, with millions fled from their homes. Families have fled on foot across the desert to overpopulated camps, often finding limited access to food, clean water and medical care. Aid workers warn of increasing cases of malaria and malnutrition, specifically among young children. Many humanitarian organizations are trying to expand their reach, but blocked supply routes and attacks have made their work dangerous with limited reach.

Civilians continue to pay the highest price for the fighting. Human rights groups continue reporting of mass killings and sexual violence particularly in Darfur. According to The Daily Mail, satellite shows neighborhoods burnt completely, while witnesses accounts describe executions in front of family members. Schools have been closed for months, millions of children deprived of education. Hospitals still operate but struggle without basic surgical supplies.

International efforts for peace have so far failed. The African Union and the United Nations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire, but neither side is willing to back down. The Arab Weekly warns that the longer the conflict continues, the harder it will be to reconcile political forces.

For now, hope still lies on louder international pressure, guaranteed humanitarian corridors and the very slim possibility of a negotiated settlement. But as winter approaches and the number of people displaced continues to increase, each day without peace takes a heavier toll on the people of Sudan.

Bibliography:

Civil War in Sudan: Is There a Path to Peace? - House of Lords Library, lordslibrary.parliament.uk/civil-war-in-sudan-is-there-a-path-to-peace/. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.  

“Sudan Conflict | | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, news.un.org/en/focus/sudan-conflict. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.  

“Sudan in ‘World’s Largest Humanitarian Crisis’ after Two Years of Civil War.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 15 Apr. 2025, www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/15/sudan-in-worlds-largest-humanitarian-crisis-after-two-years-of-civil-war.  

Taryn Kaur Pedler, Foreign News Reporter. “The Massacre Visible from Space: Satellite Images Show Pools of Blood and Scattered Bodies at Sudanese City Where 2,000 Were Executed in 48 Hours.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 29 Oct. 2025, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15237611/The-massacre-visible-space-Satellite-images-pools-blood-scattered-bodies-Sudanese-city-2-000-executed-48-hours.html.  

US Seen Weighing Terror Label for Sudan’s Brotherhood as Peace Talks Stall | | AW, thearabweekly.com/us-seen-weighing-terror-label-sudans-brotherhood-peace-talks-stall. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.