Escalating Violence in North Darfur Triggers New Displacement Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in El Fasher

Event Description

North Darfur in Sudan, including areas surrounding the city of El Fasher, has witnessed renewed violence and armed attacks linked to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has been ongoing since April 2023. During the past week, field reports indicated armed attacks in several towns and villages in North Darfur that resulted in civilian casualties and displacement. In one of the recent attacks in the town of Mastriya in North Darfur, at least 28 people were killed and dozens injured, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced following the violence. These developments are unfolding within the broader conflict in Sudan, which is now entering its third year. The Darfur region remains one of the areas most severely affected by armed violence and attacks against civilians.

Humanitarian Conditions

Darfur continues to face one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world due to the combined effects of armed conflict, economic collapse, and the breakdown of basic services. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 33.7 million people in Sudan are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026, representing the majority of the country’s population. Since the outbreak of the conflict in April 2023, more than 12 million people have been displaced inside Sudan and across borders, making the Sudan crisis one of the largest displacement emergencies globally. In North Darfur specifically, humanitarian reports indicate that over 107,000 people have been affected by displacement linked to fighting in and around El Fasher during recent waves of escalation. Displaced families continue to face severe challenges in accessing food, clean water, healthcare, and basic services, particularly as humanitarian access remains constrained in several affected areas.

Security Situation

The security environment in North Darfur remains highly volatile, with continued armed clashes and attacks reported across multiple locations. International reports indicate that the war in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian deaths since the conflict began. Armed actors continue to compete for territorial control in various regions of the country, contributing to prolonged instability. Human rights organizations have also warned of increasing violations against civilians in Darfur, including targeted attacks on communities and civilian infrastructure. Such developments heighten the risk of further mass displacement and deepen humanitarian needs in the region.

Organizations' Response

United Nations agencies and humanitarian organizations continue to provide emergency assistance to affected populations across Darfur. Humanitarian actors are delivering food assistance, water and sanitation support, healthcare services, and emergency relief items to displaced populations in camps and host communities in North Darfur. However, humanitarian organizations report that access to many affected areas remains limited due to ongoing insecurity and logistical constraints, which significantly hampers the ability to scale up the humanitarian response.

Recommendations

Strengthen humanitarian coordination mechanisms to ensure assistance reaches the most affected communities.
Expand food assistance and cash support programs for displaced and conflict-affected households.
Support emergency healthcare services in displacement areas and camps around El Fasher.
Improve safe humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas to facilitate aid delivery.
Enhance civilian protection measures, particularly for women and children exposed to heightened risks of violence and displacement.

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