Exploring the Different Challenges and Forms of Resistance in Sudan

My name is Lilly Evans, and I study Psychology at the University of Sheffield. I joined SolidariTee in January and wanted to write a piece about Sudan to raise awareness on the devastating impact of conflict on Sudanese families.

Three years into the current phase of Sudan's conflict, this piece gives an overview of the impact of violence in Sudan, a country facing the world's largest displacement and humanitarian crisis today.

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Although fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (the country's national military) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, Sudan's conflict is the outcome of decades of political instability, militarisation, and elite capture (Pellecchia, 2026). Across the country, millions of people have had no other choice but to leave their homes. The escalation of violence has triggered a humanitarian catastrophe, with over 14 million people forcibly displaced: Sudan is grappling with the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crisis (Al Jazeera, 2026). This conflict has devastated families and fractured people’s lives, leaving them with no home to go back to. With hospitals closed, schools destroyed, and infrastructure beyond repair, life in Sudan is unsafe. 

Most people displaced across borders are hosted in neighbouring countries like Chad, Egypt and Ethiopia. In conflict settings, displacement in precarious situations also increases the risks of trafficking and exploitation, and in connection with this, the dangers of gender-based violence and child marriage (Ali, 2025). Displacement further highlights pre-existing social inequalities with reports of human rights abuses, including GBV and child marriage amongst refugee communities in these countries (Elnakib, 2021, OHCHR, 2025). In addition, food insecurity is a major concern in Sudan, with over 19 million facing acute hunger, particularly in Al Fasher and Kadugli where famine has been confirmed. Ongoing conflict has disrupted agricultural production and supply chains, significantly reducing food availability, whilst simultaneously increasing prices. Restrictions on humanitarian access, where some deliveries have been blocked in some areas, civilians (especially the elderly, pregnant women and children) are facing malnutrition and health risks due to exacerbated malnutrition. 

The international committee recently highlighted Khaldia's story (ICRC, 2025): Khaldia’s family was forced to leave their village in Rabob, resulting in a sudden uprooting. As a 46-year-old mother of nine, Khaldia’s quiet farming life was snatched away from her due to the violence that erupted across Sudan. After travelling to a displaced persons camp, Khaldia and her family had to adjust to an uncommon lifestyle with few resources and little food. Despite the struggle and adverse circumstances, Khaldia adapted to her new life by putting her children first and remaining resilient and hopeful for a better future. She states that ‘Losing money is sad, but the thought of compromising my children’s lives and their dignity was horrifying’.

Khaldia’s story is not rare. Millions of families have faced displacement, which has forced them to alter their futures and adjust to an unwanted present. There have been numerous humanitarian agencies providing aid despite the enormous operational challenges and restrictions imposed by parties to the conflict. Whilst impacted by the current conflict, food insecurity in Sudan has been shaped by political decisions such as the privatisation of agriculture, which has limited food availability for the population (Elamin, 2025). The World Food Programme supplies food to over 4 million people per month and has delivered medicine and vaccinations through mobile clinics. However, due to restricted areas and insufficient funds, services have been reduced, and fewer people have received aid. Alongside international aid, the Sudanese people perform acts of mutual aid amongst one another, which has also played a crucial role in the support of displaced communities. These acts include organised grassroots initiatives like community kitchens where refugees demonstrate solidarity and generosity despite limited resources (Refugees International, 2025). 

The demand for help far exceeds what humanitarian agencies can currently provide, leaving temporary shelters under-resourced and overcrowded. Raising awareness of testimonies, such as Khaldia’s, is imperative for increasing fundraising to support agencies that can assist more families facing these perilous conditions. Khaldia’s story is an important reminder that there are real people behind the statistics. War and displacement have affected so many people, and thus, an attitude of compassion and cooperation is needed to support them. 

As a young activist, I felt it was important to remind others that there are real individuals who are suffering from global inequalities and political conflicts. I am motivated to remind other young people that we have a responsibility to stay informed and use our own voices to drive more attention to cases like Khaldia’s in order to drive change and build greater empathy.