EXPLAINER: Sudan’s war at two years: A nation caught in endless suffering

Two years after gunfire first echoed through Sudan’s cities, the country remains trapped in a war that has changed everything, shattering lives, displacing millions, and dimming the hope of peace.

What started as a political disagreement between two former allies has become a full-blown humanitarian crisis with no sign of relief.

The civil war began on April 15, 2023, when a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) turned violent.

Once united in the 2021 coup that removed Sudan’s transitional civilian government, the two factions quickly became enemies, launching the country into chaos.

Led by General Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, the SAF stands as the official military of Sudan.

The RSF, on the other hand, has its roots in the Janjaweed militia, a group that has long been linked to crimes in Darfur.

Their fight for dominance has left entire cities in ruins and forced families to abandon everything.

In just two years, the war has killed over 150,000 people.

At least 13 million people have been forced from their homes.

Among them are the elderly, children, and women, many of whom now live in crowded camps or have fled across borders with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Before the war began, Sudan was already struggling.

With around 46 million citizens, the country was one of the poorest in the world. Now, the war has made life even harder.

Food, medicine, water, and fuel are all in short supply.

The United Nations says over 25 million people now need humanitarian help.

"The country is facing extreme shortages of food, water, medicine and fuel and more than half the population (25.6 million) are facing acute food insecurity, including 8.5 million of them at emergency levels," the UN reports.

Egypt currently hosts the highest number of Sudanese refugees at 1.5 million.

Chad follows with 773,662, then South Sudan with 349,935, Libya with 256,000, Uganda with 72,125, and Ethiopia with 43,159.

In South Sudan, most of those arriving are returnees who had earlier fled to Sudan for safety.

Within Sudan, 8.9 million people are internally displaced.

Famine warnings have been issued in five of Sudan’s 18 states, including Khartoum, where access to aid remains restricted.

The lack of basic services has added to the suffering, especially for pregnant women and children.

According to the World Health Organization, violence against healthcare workers and attacks on hospitals have made matters worse.

"Attacks on healthcare facilities, equipment and workers are further depriving women and girls of lifesaving care, with pregnant women hardest hit," the WHO says.

While the SAF has air power and artillery, the RSF has relied on urban warfare and guerrilla tactics to challenge its authority.

For a long time, the RSF held ground in major cities, including parts of the capital, Khartoum.

But in recent months, the SAF has managed to reclaim key sites.

By March 2025, the SAF had taken back the presidential palace and the international airport in Khartoum.

These gains show that the RSF’s grip on the capital may be slipping. However, fighting continues in areas like Darfur and the south, where the RSF still holds control.

At the same time, the RSF has attempted to create a new political path from outside the country.

In Nairobi, Kenya, the group signed a charter with various rebel groups and civil organizations, forming what they call the Sudan Founding Alliance.

The charter proposed the creation of a new national army that would represent all parts of Sudan and stay out of politics.

It also promised to end the war, fight terrorism, and build stronger ties with neighbouring nations.

Over 20 political parties, 10 civil organizations, and 5 military groups joined in signing the charter, hoping it would pave the way to a better future.

The agreement followed four days of meetings in Nairobi, attended by several stakeholders connected to the RSF and other groups.

However, the RSF’s political activity in Kenya has angered Sudan’s government. Sudan has since banned Kenyan tea imports, and diplomatic ties have grown tense. Kenya insists it does not support the RSF and says it remains committed to peace.

Even as outside efforts continue, the suffering on the ground grows.

The United Nations has documented serious human rights abuses by both warring sides.

These include ethnic-based killings, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians.

In many cases, families have been separated, entire communities destroyed, and people forced to survive in makeshift shelters, hoping the conflict will end soon.

The UNHCR says the immediate concern remains access to basic needs like food and security.

"The immediate problem in Sudan is a lack of necessities, combined with violence and uncertainty, which has forced many people to flee their homes," the UNHCR states.

So far, neither side in the war has agreed to a peaceful handover of power.

As the conflict enters its third year, the people of Sudan continue to bear the brunt of a war they did not choose—a war that has not only broken institutions but also lives.