Sudan at three years: A crisis the world cannot ignore

By Denise Brown*
Sudan is the size of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain combined. It’s hard to miss. But the world seems to be able to look right past it as if it’s not there.

April 15th marks the third year of the war in Sudan; more than 9 million people have had to flee their homes within the country, living in temporary shelters, some so ragged they blow away with the haboob (dust storm) that arrives every year at this time.

Another 4.5 million have fled across borders into neighbouring countries, seeking one thing: to live without fear. More than 18 million people remaining in the country need support to make it through the day: food, healthcare, shelter, water. Pretty basic stuff that we all need to get by.

Sexual violence has its own special place within this brutal war. Mostly women and girls, raped and gang-raped, particularly in Darfur. It’s a particularly horrific moment for aid workers when we listen to these stories as we fight to provide services, as we worry about the future of the survivors and any children that they bear. Sexual violence is being used as a weapon of war, according to the UN Human Rights Office, with long-term consequences for individuals and communities.

Drone strikes are increasing, hitting civilian infrastructure, many related to the health services that are so desperately needed, and killing the civilians who use them. In El Obeid, North Kordofan State, the strikes go on all night long, one explosion after another. Sleep is difficult to come by.

Yet the people who fled the war in Khartoum three years ago are returning despite the remaining challenges. Homes can be taken from us, but what we hold in our memories and our hearts about home cannot be taken. And so, people return despite the remaining challenges. Home is where we all want to be.

The international aid community is here, but the Sudanese communities and organizations are the day-to-day frontline workers and usually the ones killed in the line of duty. Helping those who have had to flee their homes or those who want to go back.

We have their backs but lack the funds. About 40 per cent funded in 2025, and so far in 2026, 16 per cent funded. No matter how we cut it, that money just won’t stretch to cover the needs. My greatest moment of shame was standing in Tawila, North Darfur State, receiving women and their children fleeing El Fasher in October 2025 – 6,000 people killed in three days. They made it to us, but I didn’t have enough to offer.

I know the world has a lot on its plate. And yet I have seen the world stand up to fight for the rights of others – through global demonstrations, marches, and debates – with fierce determination yielding impressive results.

So, take another look. Sudan is there. People are dying here and suffering here and yet are determined to make it. Perhaps you could have their backs, too!

*United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan