The ongoing conflict in Sudan, now in its 21st month, has plunged the country into one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has wrought devastating human suffering, displaced millions, and left the country’s economy and infrastructure in ruins. The crisis transcends Sudan’s borders, threatening regional stability and demanding urgent international action. This year must mark a turning point in global efforts to resolve the crisis and alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The scale of destruction and displacement in Sudan is staggering. More than 11 million Sudanese have been internally displaced, making the country the epicenter of the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. An additional 3 million have fled to neighboring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt, overwhelming host nations already grappling with limited resources. These mass migrations have put immense pressure on regional stability, escalating tensions and compounding existing socio-economic challenges.

Within Sudan’s borders, the situation is equally dire. The healthcare system has nearly collapsed, with 70 to 80 percent of hospitals and clinics in conflict zones rendered nonoperational. Medical supplies are critically scarce, leaving millions without access to essential healthcare services. Food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels, with nearly 25 million people-half the population-facing acute hunger. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of famine-like conditions in several regions. Agricultural production has plummeted due to the ongoing violence, and rising food prices have made basic staples unaffordable for many Sudanese families.

The toll of this conflict on civilians is multifaceted. They face daily threats to their safety from aerial bombardments, ground attacks, and crossfire between warring factions. Reports of sexual and gender-based violence have escalated alarmingly, with women and girls being particularly vulnerable. Many have been subjected to sexual violence during displacement or in overcrowded camps, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars. Children, often the most vulnerable in times of conflict, are disproportionately affected. Millions are out of school, deprived of education, and at risk of exploitation as child laborers or recruitment into armed groups. This lack of access to education has far-reaching implications, depriving an entire generation of the skills and opportunities necessary for rebuilding post-conflict Sudan.

Resolving the Sudan crisis requires a unified, multifaceted response from the global community. The failure to act decisively risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa and prolonging the suffering of millions. To achieve meaningful progress, the following measures are imperative:

First and foremost, the international community must prioritize meeting the $4.2 billion funding target set by the United Nations for 2025. This funding will enable humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving aid, including food, medical supplies, and clean water, to millions of vulnerable Sudanese. Governments, private donors, and international financial institutions must step up their contributions to address this critical shortfall. Moreover, innovative funding mechanisms, such as leveraging climate financing for food security programs, could provide additional resources to combat the crisis.

Diplomatic initiatives to resolve the underlying conflict are equally essential. The international community must leverage its influence to pressure the conflicting parties to adhere to ceasefires and engage in meaningful negotiations. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the UAE have expressed a willingness to mediate, and these efforts should be supported and expanded. A unified approach involving key international actors, including the UN, EU, and regional powers, is critical to fostering a sustainable resolution.

The African Union (AU) is uniquely positioned to play a leading role in resolving the Sudan crisis. Its deep understanding of regional dynamics and established relationships with Sudanese stakeholders make it an invaluable partner in mediation and peacebuilding efforts. The AU’s experience in brokering peace in Ethiopia’s Tigray region demonstrates its capacity to lead such initiatives. However, its success hinges on receiving adequate financial and logistical support from the international community.

Aid organizations are on the front lines of the crisis, providing essential services to displaced populations and communities in need. Their contributions include delivering food, clean water, and medical care; offering safe spaces and psychosocial support for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children; and raising global awareness about the crisis while lobbying for increased international support. However, these organizations face significant challenges, including restricted access to conflict zones, security risks for humanitarian workers, and chronic funding shortages. Addressing these obstacles requires financial backing, the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors, and advocacy for the protection of aid workers.

The Jeddah Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan, signed in May 2023, provides a crucial foundation for peace efforts. The declaration outlines key measures to safeguard civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, and promote dialogue among the conflicting parties. However, its implementation has been hampered by ongoing violence and a lack of enforcement mechanisms. To build on this framework, the international community must ensure that ceasefires are adhered to and enforced. Independent monitors should be deployed to oversee compliance and address violations promptly. Additionally, engaging all relevant stakeholders, including civil society groups, marginalized communities, and diaspora organizations, is essential to fostering a more inclusive and durable resolution.

Recent diplomatic efforts, such as Türkiye’s offer to mediate and the UAE’s support for these initiatives, provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the Jeddah Declaration and advance peace. These efforts must be bolstered by the broader international community to ensure their success.

Collaboration between the African Union and international actors can enhance the effectiveness of interventions. Joint peacekeeping missions, coordinated intelligence sharing, and unified diplomatic initiatives can amplify efforts to stabilize the region. Furthermore, the AU’s influence can ensure that local voices are included in peace negotiations, fostering a more inclusive and durable resolution. In addition to immediate humanitarian relief and peacebuilding, long-term stability in Sudan requires investments in economic recovery, governance reforms, and institution building. This includes support for rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing agricultural production, and strengthening healthcare and education systems.

The international community must also address the root causes of the conflict, such as political exclusion, economic disparities, and competition over resources. A comprehensive approach that integrates development and peacebuilding initiatives can help prevent the recurrence of violence and lay the groundwork for sustainable peace.

The ongoing conflict and related humanitarian crisis in Sudan represent one of the most pressing global challenges of 2025. The scale of suffering demands immediate and sustained action from the international community. By scaling up humanitarian assistance, engaging in robust diplomacy, collaborating with the African Union, supporting aid organizations, and building on the Jeddah Declaration, the international community can take meaningful steps toward alleviating the crisis and fostering peace. Failure to act decisively will not only prolong the suffering of millions of Sudanese but also risk further destabilizing an already fragile region. The time to act is now.

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