A Simple Guide to What Is Happening in Sudan

Understanding a Nation Torn Between Power, Survival, and Hope

Sudan, the third-largest country in Africa, has been trapped in one of the world’s most complex and devastating conflicts since April 2023. What began as a struggle for power between two generals has spiraled into a humanitarian catastrophe affecting millions of civilians. For those trying to make sense of this tragedy, here’s a simple breakdown of what’s happening in Sudan, why it matters, and what the world can do about it.

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1. How the conflict began

In 2019, Sudan’s long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir was overthrown after months of mass protests. The people of Sudan demanded freedom, democracy, and an end to decades of corruption and war. For a brief moment, there was hope. A transitional government was formed between civilian leaders and the military, with a plan to lead the country toward elections.

But behind the scenes, two powerful military figures were preparing for their own struggle:

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, leader of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

These two men had once been allies. But as the transition to democracy gained momentum, their rivalry over control of the army — and ultimately the country — exploded into open warfare in April 2023.

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2. Who’s fighting whom

The fighting in Sudan is mainly between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the RSF.

The Army controls the air force, major military bases, and parts of northern and eastern Sudan.

The RSF, a powerful paramilitary group that grew out of the Janjaweed militias from the Darfur conflict, controls large sections of the capital Khartoum and western regions.

The war has turned the capital into a battlefield, with both sides using heavy weapons, airstrikes, and drones in densely populated areas. Thousands of civilians have been killed, and millions have fled their homes.

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3. The human cost

Sudan’s people are paying the highest price. The United Nations estimates that over 10 million people have been displaced, creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Entire neighborhoods in Khartoum and Darfur have been reduced to rubble.

Food shortages, looting, and attacks on aid convoys have left millions on the brink of starvation. Refugees are fleeing into neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan, often with no shelter, medicine, or security. Hospitals have been bombed, power grids destroyed, and communications blacked out for weeks at a time.

What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is that most of the world’s attention has shifted elsewhere, leaving Sudanese civilians to survive largely on their own.

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4. Why it’s so hard to stop the war

Several ceasefire attempts have failed because neither side trusts the other — and both still believe they can win militarily. The RSF’s control of gold mines gives it financial independence, while the Sudanese army relies on foreign allies like Egypt.

Regional and international actors — including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union — have tried to broker peace, but progress has been slow. Each side receives indirect support from different foreign powers, turning Sudan’s war into a regional power struggle as well as a domestic one.

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5. What’s happening now

As of late 2025, Sudan remains divided. The RSF controls most of Darfur and parts of Khartoum, while the army still holds Port Sudan on the Red Sea, which now serves as the government’s base. Civilians continue to organize grassroots aid networks and document atrocities despite threats and lack of resources.

The UN has warned that Sudan is on the verge of famine and that a “lost generation” of children faces malnutrition, lack of education, and trauma from constant violence. Yet, amid the chaos, Sudanese activists and journalists continue to push for international attention and a return to civilian rule.

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6. Why the world should care

Sudan’s crisis is not isolated. The country sits at a strategic crossroads between the Red Sea, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa — regions already facing instability, migration pressures, and climate shocks. If Sudan collapses further, it could destabilize an entire region and create ripple effects in global trade and security.

But beyond geopolitics lies a moral responsibility. The Sudanese people’s call for democracy and dignity mirrors struggles around the world — a reminder that freedom often comes at a terrible cost, and silence can be deadly.

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7. What can be done

The simplest way to help is to stay informed and amplify verified information from Sudanese journalists and aid groups. Donations to credible humanitarian organizations, such as the World Food Programme, Doctors Without Borders, and UNHCR, directly support those trapped in the conflict.

Change may not come overnight, but awareness can drive pressure — and pressure can save lives.

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Final Thoughts

Sudan’s story is not just one of war; it’s one of endurance. The same citizens who toppled a dictator are still fighting for a future free from guns and generals. Whether the world listens could decide whether that dream survives.