Recent data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals the severe impact of the clash between the Sudanese army and paramilitaries, resulting in an astonishing number of displaced people.
A staggering 926,000 individuals have sought refuge in neighboring countries, while 3.02 million remain internally displaced within Sudan.
The displacement has affected all 18 states in Sudan, with River Nile (15%), North (11%), North Darfur (9%), and White Nile (9%) being the most heavily impacted regions. A significant majority of the internally displaced individuals, 71%, originated from Khartoum State.
The current estimate of displacements over the past 108 days exceeds the total recorded for the previous four years, according to the IOM.
However, access to many areas remains restricted due to ongoing fighting, leading to assessments based on preliminary reports or estimates.
The situation for refugees seeking shelter in neighboring countries has been harrowing, with overcrowded displacement camps and difficulties in providing aid, exacerbated by the approaching rainy season.
The rainy season also poses the risk of flooding, adding to the already fragile conditions.
The conflict, which began in mid-April between Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has caused widespread displacement, loss of life, injuries, and a growing humanitarian crisis. Attacks on public institutions, looting, and occupation of private homes continue in the capital, Khartoum, and clashes persist in four out of the five Darfur states.
Displaced populations in hard-to-reach locations are facing challenges in accessing healthcare services, leading to cases of infectious diseases and other illnesses. The situation is worsened by attacks on over 50 health facilities.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, called for an immediate end to the conflict on the 100th day since its onset.
The UN’s humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, has also warned that hunger and displacement due to the war are spiraling out of control.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis indicates that more than six million people, around 13% of the population, are now one step away from famine. Overall, over 20 million people in Sudan are facing high levels of acute food insecurity due to conflict, economic decline, and mass displacement.