Sudanese Civil War: Escalation in Darfur in April 2025
The Sudanese civil war, which erupted on April 15, 2023, has entered its third year, becoming one of the worst humanitarian crises of our time. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has spread from Khartoum to the Darfur region, where escalation in April 2025 has brought mass displacement, famine, and fears of genocide. This article provides a detailed analysis of the conflict’s progression, its causes, and its global implications.
Current Situation in Darfur
- Military Developments: In April 2025, the RSF launched a major offensive on El Fasher, the last city in North Darfur under SAF control. On April 13, they seized the Zamzam camp, resulting in over 200 civilian deaths, including children and humanitarian workers.
- Humanitarian Crisis: The Zamzam camp, home to 750,000 people, faces siege, famine, and a lack of healthcare. Famine was confirmed in August 2024, and the situation continues to deteriorate.
- Ethnic Violence: The RSF targets non-Arab communities (Masalit, Zaghawa), prompting the U.S. to designate their actions as genocide in January 2025.
Broader Conflict in Sudan
The conflict is a power struggle between the SAF (led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan) and the RSF (led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, “Hemedti”). The SAF retook parts of Khartoum in March 2025, but the RSF dominate Darfur. Analysts warn of a potential division of Sudan if the RSF permanently control Darfur. Foreign actors, such as the United Arab Emirates (backing the RSF) and Egypt (supporting the SAF), complicate the conflict.
Humanitarian Crisis
| Aspect | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 11.3 million (8 million internally, 3 million refugees) |
| Food Insecurity | 25 million people need aid |
| Famine | North Darfur, 638,000 people |
| Health | 70–80% of hospitals non-functional, cholera outbreaks |
International Response
The UN and UNHCR provide aid but face funding shortages. The U.S., UK, and Canada have imposed sanctions on SAF and RSF for war crimes. Peace talks in London (April 2025) lack key actors, limiting progress. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating crimes in Darfur.
Conclusion
The Sudanese conflict is a tragedy with global ramifications. The escalation in Darfur, famine, and displacement underscore the urgent need for intervention. The international community must bolster humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts to prevent Sudan’s collapse and further regional destabilization.
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