The situation for children and civilians in Sudan has worsened as the country’s conflict moves into its fourth year, UN and aid agencies warn. What began in April 2023 after the collapse of a fragile transition to civilian rule following the 2019 uprising has pitted the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and spread fighting across large parts of the country.
The World Health Organization says the violence has forced more than 13 million people from their homes. UNICEF reports that over 4,300 children have been killed or maimed since the fighting began, with Darfur and Kordofan among the hardest-hit regions. Aid workers note the long-term psychological and social damage: children’s daily lives are dominated by death, destruction, and fear.
Both sides have increasingly used indiscriminate drone strikes, which have caused many deaths and injuries. UN humanitarian officials reported that almost 700 civilians were killed in drone strikes in the first three months of this year alone. Combatants have also targeted civilian infrastructure — destroying hospitals, schools, and roads — further eroding access to health care, education, and basic services.
The crisis is spilling beyond Sudan’s borders. Observers say the war is now a regional security and humanitarian problem for East Africa: large-scale displacement, disrupted trade routes, and mounting political tensions are putting pressure on neighboring countries and stoking wider instability.
Despite widespread atrocities documented by UN teams — including systematic sexual violence, sieges that have driven communities toward famine, and episodes of mass killing — aid coordinators say the crisis has not received sustained international attention. UN resident and humanitarian coordinators have appealed for a stronger global response to match the scale of suffering.
Germany convened an international donor conference in Berlin to raise funds for those affected. Organizers announced that €1.3 billion was pledged, exceeding the amount raised at last year’s London conference.
Humanitarian agencies continue to call for expanded protection for civilians, unimpeded aid access, and urgent support for displaced families and children whose lives and futures have been shattered by years of conflict.
This article is adapted from an episode of DW’s AfricaLink podcast.