Red Cross warns of rising humanitarian needs as Sudan conflict intensifies

What happened

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has called for increased international aid to Sudan, reporting that humanitarian needs are surging while funding fails to keep pace. Derk Segaar, IFRC Special Envoy for Sudan, said parts of the country like Kordofan and Darfur are seeing some aid flow, but the conflict’s devastation affects the entire nation, including Khartoum where essential services remain largely unavailable.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Sudan’s conflict erupted into full-scale war in April 2023 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. According to the monitoring group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, at least 59,000 deaths have occurred, though aid groups suggest the real toll may be significantly higher. The IFRC reports 35 million people needing humanitarian help, with internal displacement numbering over 9 million and 4.5 million more people having fled the country.

The Sudanese Army, represented by Lieutenant-General Yasser al-Atta, claims ongoing advances on multiple fronts aimed at defeating the RSF by year-end. Al-Atta said the military’s recent operations reclaimed key territories in North Kordofan and declared an intent to eliminate all RSF and foreign fighters, his remarks reflecting the intensifying fighting across Kordofan states since late 2025.

Known from the source

• The IFRC calls for greater international aid for Sudan due to escalating humanitarian needs.
• Sudan has been in all-out war since April 2023 between RSF and Sudanese military.
• Conflict monitoring groups estimate at least 59,000 deaths, with aid agencies suggesting higher tolls.
• 35 million people require humanitarian assistance, including more than 9 million internally displaced and 4.5 million living as refugees abroad.
• Sudanese Army claims ongoing multi-front military advances aiming to eliminate RSF by end of 2026.

What remains unclear

Amid rising violence and deteriorating living conditions marked by shortages of electricity, clean water, healthcare, and increased risks of cholera, malnutrition, and flooding, the United Nations and multiple regional organizations are working to revive stalled political negotiations with Sudanese civilian leaders. UN officials have also engaged with RSF leadership to discuss lowering tensions, but the conflict remains unresolved.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify accuracy of casualty estimates and whether official sources confirm numbers beyond Armed Conflict Location and Event Data figures. Confirm details and outcomes of recent Sudanese army operations in Kordofan and claims of RSF elimination plans. Check updates on humanitarian aid flows to different regions.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Sudan. Open the source.