Context:
Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has escalated into one of the world’s worst humanitarian and economic crises. The conflict has resulted in economic collapse, mass displacement, famine conditions, and large-scale civilian casualties, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan regions.
Key Highlights:
Conflict Dynamics
- Warring parties:
- SAF led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
- RSF led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
- Root cause: Power struggle over political control and integration of RSF into the national army
- RSF Offensive: Intensified operations in Kordofan and Darfur
- Territorial Control:
- RSF: Western Sudan (Darfur, parts of Kordofan)
- SAF: Eastern and Central Sudan
Major Developments
- El Fasher (North Darfur) fell after an 18-month siege
- Over 1,400 deaths reported between April 2023–October 2025
- Nearly 400 incidents of violence against civilians
- Drone strike in Kalogi (South Kordofan) caused civilian deaths, including children
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
- GDP contraction: 29% (2023–24) due to conflict-induced economic disruption
- Displacement:
- 9.8 million people displaced (as of September 2025)
- Largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis globally
- Food Crisis:
- Sudan entered famine conditions in September 2025
- 1% of population facing catastrophic food insecurity
Food Prices and Market Collapse
- Sorghum prices: Increased tenfold in Kadugli
- Millet prices: Exceeded $500 for 3.5 kg in El Fasher (2025)
- Severe disruption of markets, agriculture, and supply chains
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Prolonged internal armed conflict leading to humanitarian catastrophe
- Causes:
- Military power struggle
- Weak state institutions
- Fragmented armed forces
- Government/International Response:
- Limited humanitarian access
- Inadequate ceasefire enforcement
- Benefits (Conflict Actors – Strategic):
- RSF territorial consolidation
- Potential creation of parallel administration
- Challenges:
- Blocked aid corridors
- Civilian targeting
- Regional spillover risks
- Impact:
- Economic collapse
- Famine and malnutrition
- Regional instability in Horn of Africa
Relevant Mains Points:
- GDP Contraction:
- Reflects collapse of agriculture, trade, banking, and public services
- Conflict-induced recession deepening pre-existing fragility
- Food Insecurity:
- Market failure + displacement + conflict
- Meets IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine) criteria in parts of Sudan
- Displacement Crisis:
- Massive internal displacement and refugee outflows
- Pressure on neighbouring countries and aid systems
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Civil war economics
- Humanitarian intervention
- Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
- Fragile and conflict-affected states (FCAS)
- Way Forward:
- Immediate humanitarian ceasefire
- Unhindered aid access and protection of civilians
- Inclusive political dialogue under international mediation
- Long-term reconstruction with regional and UN support
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 2: International Relations, humanitarian crises, conflict resolution
- GS 3: Economic collapse, food security, displacement economics
- GS 2 (Social Justice): Refugees, human security, vulnerable populations
- Prelims: Global conflicts, famine indicators, international organizations