RSF Drone Strike and Darfur Capture Intensify Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis, UN Reports 33 Million Need Aid
Updated (2 articles)
UN Quantifies Unprecedented Humanitarian Emergency The United Nations estimates that 33 million Sudanese require assistance and 14 million are displaced, marking the largest displacement emergency worldwide; over 40,000 deaths have been recorded and more than 21 million people face acute food insecurity, with famine confirmed or imminent in several regions [1].
War Marks Thousand‑Day Milestone After April 2023 Power Struggle Fighting erupted in April 2023 when the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan clashed with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group rooted in former Janjaweed militias, and the conflict has now entered its 1,000th day, spreading across the country [1].
RSF Consolidates Control Over Darfur While SAF Expands Recruitment The RSF seized control of Darfur in October 2025, prompting the SAF to announce the recruitment of 3,000 new soldiers—including women who swore “Allahu akbar” during their oath—on 15 December 2025 [1].
Escalation Evident in Dec 12 2025 Drone Strike and New Alliances A RSF‑launched drone strike on 12 December 2025 near Lubway killed 52 women and two children, and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), previously neutral, has now allied with the SAF against the RSF [1].
Displaced Civilians Endure Lengthy Treks to Overcrowded Camps Survivors of the fall of el‑Fasher recount a 460‑mile journey, with only about 40 % reaching safety; many now reside in the al‑Dabbah camp, living in makeshift shelters while awaiting tents [1].
Timeline
Apr 2023 – A power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under Gen. Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupts into a nationwide war that quickly spreads across Sudan[1][2].
2025 – The United Nations labels Sudan’s conflict the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, citing more than 40,000 deaths and over 14 million people displaced[2].
Oct 2025 – RSF forces capture the Darfur region, consolidating control over Sudan’s western provinces[1].
Late 2025 – Sudan’s national football team, the Falcons of Jediane, qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ghana in a decisive qualifier played abroad[2].
Dec 12 2025 – An RSF‑operated drone strike near Lubway kills 52 women and two children; the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) subsequently allies with the SAF against the RSF[1].
Dec 15 2025 – SAF announces the recruitment of 3,000 new soldiers, including women who chant “Allahu akbar” during their oath, to replenish its depleted ranks[1].
Dec 2025 (approx.) – A hotel siege in Omdurman traps midfielder Ammar Taifour, teammates, coaches and medical staff for more than two days; after the gunmen withdraw, Taifour flies to the United States, ending his Sudanese club career[2].
2025‑2026 – Displaced civilians endure a 460‑mile trek to al‑Dabbah camp; only about 40 % survive the journey and now sleep in makeshift shelters while awaiting tents[1].
Jan 2026 – The civil war reaches its 1,000th day, with UN estimates of over 40,000 dead and 21 million people facing acute food insecurity or imminent famine[1].
Jan 2026 – Sudanese supporters gather in Rabat, waving flags and blowing horns, to celebrate the Falcons of Jediane’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match against Algeria[2].
Feb 17 2026 – The UN declares Sudan’s emergency the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, reporting 33 million people need aid, 14 million displaced, more than 40,000 dead, and 21 million at famine risk[1].