As the conflict between warring parties in Sudan extends into its second year, the resulting surge in population displacement has created the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis. Nearly 2 million displaced Sudanese have fled to unstable regions in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Violence erupted around El Fasher as the Sudanese army’s last holdout in Darfur fell. Home to approximately 1.7 million residents, Darfur’s violence has led to the closure of a critical aid corridor. The recently opened humanitarian corridor from Chad facilitated the delivery of much-needed aid and supplies to conflict-affected areas. Food supply was imperative as the war triggered the world’s largest hunger crisis. The U.N. World Food Programme explains that “time is running out to prevent starvation in the vast region.” 

Darfur, which has been a flashpoint for violence for decades, is once again at the center of this humanitarian crisis. The recent intensification of conflict has disrupted the lives of the region’s residents who have already suffered from starvation. 

The corridor’s closure has severe implications, as it directly affects the ability of humanitarian organizations to reach and support those who are most vulnerable. During the war, only small quantities of aid have entered El Fasher, and solely army-approved shipments have reached other parts of Darfur. The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that restrictions imposed by military authorities nullified the attempted delivery of assistance through the only other aid corridor from Chad at Adre. Aid officials noted that both sides have been either looting aid or blocking its delivery to areas facing starvation, thereby exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Food is limited and getting the food to residents involves “fighting and endless bureaucratic hurdles.”

Médecins Sans Frontières critiqued the U.N. and its lack of commitment to resolving food scarcity as the war continues, “Despite being aware of the severity of the situation, and despite famine alerts coming from U.N. agencies themselves, the U.N. is doing far too little to prevent the malnutrition crisis in Zamzam from falling further into catastrophe.” The U.N. has struggled to provide effective assistance, which raised doubt about how international organizations, specifically the U.N., would navigate this issue. 

Leni Kinzli, WFP’s spokesperson in Sudan, said they are attempting to reach 700,000 people while roads are still passable before the rainy season begins. Although they have 8,000 tons of food stock in Chad, distribution is hindered because of the shutdown corridor. Furthermore, this demonstrates the need for the WFP to establish a means for unrestricted access. Kinzli also reminded the parties in Sudan of their obligations to comply with international humanitarian law. Lastly, she stated that approximately 28 million people in Sudan and South Sudan are facing food insecurity and urged the international community to take action.

On May 15th, the United States imposed sanctions on two senior RSF commanders, including the head of operations, for their involvement in the attacks on El Fasher. U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed, “We are prepared to take further action against those who actively escalate this war – including any offensive actions on El Fasher – create barriers to humanitarian access, or commit atrocities.” 

While the statement by Thomas-Greenfield reflects a firm stance against escalations of conflict and atrocities, relying on punitive measures or military action may not be the most effective approach to resolving the crisis in Darfur. Military actions, especially unilateral sanctions or interventions, can sometimes exacerbate tensions and further destabilize the region. The most pressing issue is gaining access to Darfur to provide the necessary support to residents. Therefore, there needs to be a more holistic approach focusing on diplomacy and humanitarian assistance to ensure basic living standards and safety for the fleeing Sudanese. 

The U.N. has outlined its strategy, which includes prioritizing creating livelihood opportunities, finding solutions for displaced people and the communities hosting them, ensuring safety from rights violations and conflicts, and preventing additional conflict-related risks. These priorities are tailored to the context of violence, conflict, and fragility in Sudan. UNITAMS (the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan) is on the ground and is committed to staying and delivering what is needed for the people of Sudan. The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is also working tirelessly to bring all parties to the negotiating table to cease hostilities. Once peace is restored, the U.N. will be prepared to scale up support for recovery and reconstruction.

The reconstruction process will proceed as follows: aid organizations must have unrestricted access to reach people in need, wherever they are. Currently, they face obstacles at every turn. The conflicting parties must facilitate deliveries through all necessary routes, across battle lines and borders. The country’s political instability has significantly diminished its financial capacity to address the increasing needs and provide essential services. The donor base has shrunk, and the gap between humanitarian needs and available resources is widening. Additionally, it is crucial to halt the financing of armed conflict parties in Sudan and to prevent further weapons and ammunition from entering the country. The Sudan humanitarian appeal is only 12 percent funded. With additional resources, scaling up in time to prevent famine and further deprivation is possible. Increased funds and partnerships are necessary to enhance the resilience of conflict-affected communities, prevent further conflict, address sexual and gender-based violence, support victims, reopen schools for out-of-school children, and provide basic health, water, and sanitation services. To truly end the conflict, there must be a more active approach. The U.N. calls for the international community to not remain passive as the crisis escalates. It is time for increased advocacy, attention, and resources to address the crisis effectively. It’s time to hold the parties to the conflict and the international community accountable. The people of Sudan – in ​​El Fasher, Khartoum, Aj Jazirah, Kordofan, Darfur, and elsewhere – urgently need an end to the senseless violence.

As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the need for effective and timely humanitarian intervention becomes more critical. The international community must act swiftly to support displaced Sudanese people and ensure that aid reaches those who are most in need. Without immediate action, the world’s most severe displacement crisis could escalate into an even greater catastrophe, with millions facing the threat of starvation and death. The U.N. is prepared to assist with its available resources and needs to reach the displaced Sudanese before the rainy season begins. However, the ongoing war, internal conflicts, and endless bureaucratic hurdles have prevented aid workers from accessing the region. Reaching those in need will be nearly impossible unless the conflict ends or the warring parties find ways to facilitate deliveries through all necessary routes, across battle lines and borders.