Updates on Humanitarian Situation, Conflict, and Control in Sudan – August 2025

Sudan continues to face profound challenges stemming from its ongoing civil conflict, which has been classified as the largest humanitarian crisis worldwide. The confrontation between the Sudanese armed forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has resulted in devastating consequences for civilians.

The war, now entering its third year, has tragically led to tens of thousands of fatalities as a result of combat-related violence, with countless more succumbing to illness and starvation exacerbated by the conflict. Recent developments have underscored both the military landscape and the dire humanitarian conditions that persist in the country.

In terms of military control, the SAF has strengthened its hold on the capital, Khartoum, having successfully regained it from the RSF in March. The SAF maintains authority over central and eastern regions of Sudan, including Port Sudan, a strategic wartime capital on the Red Sea. Conversely, the RSF has established dominance over much of the western region of Darfur and significant portions of Kordofan to the south. The RSF’s attempts to capture el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, are critical. Its fall would grant RSF control over an area comparable in size to France.

The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains acute, particularly in el-Fasher, where approximately 260,000 civilians, of whom 130,000 are children, are currently trapped. As reported by UNICEF, the region is characterized as an “epicenter of child suffering.” Many residents survive on limited resources, relying on a crude paste made from animal fodder as food supplies dwindle. Alarmingly, one-third of children in surrounding areas are classified as severely malnourished, a staggering statistic that far exceeds the thresholds set by the World Health Organization.

Additionally, a cholera outbreak further complicates the humanitarian landscape, with significant incidences reported in Darfur since the epidemic commenced in June 2025. Aid efforts remain severely obstructed due to road closures and bureaucratic hurdles, leading to accusations from advocacy groups alleging both sides are exploiting food as a weapon.

On the political front, significant developments include the reported swearing-in of RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo as president of a newly established “Peace government” in South Darfur. Meanwhile, SAF Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has retired several military officers linked to the previous political regime, hinting at an effort to reframe his military’s leadership amid ongoing pressures.

These developments signify a complex and evolving situation in Sudan that affects not only military alliances but also the wellbeing of its citizens.

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