What is happening in Sudan?

The crisis in Sudan continues to devastate civilian lives, as children, mothers and families are affected by conflict. Yet, despite the extreme challenges, there is still hope.

My name is Ibrahim. I’m Head of Humanitarian for CAFOD and I’ve worked closely with communities in the region for years. I’ve seen first-hand the realities civilians are facing every day. Families are forced from their homes, neighbours share the little they have, and mothers flee violence by crossing the border to South Sudan.

I want to share with you the story of the Sudanese people and how, despite immense challenges, hope is still alive.

At the heart of conflict, there are people like you and me fighting to survive

IBRAHIM, CAFOD'S HEAD OF HUMANITARIAN

I ran with nothing. Life has been very difficult, and sometimes l have no food to feed my child.

SARAH, A MOTHER WHOSE SMALL BUSINESS WAS DESTROYED BY THE CONFLICT

The biggest challenge here now is shelter as we wait to relocate but it's so peaceful compared to the bombing and shelling we have experienced

MARY, WHO CROSSED THE BORDER TO SOUTH SUDAN WITH HER CHILDREN AND ELDERLY MOTHER

Sudan crisis: What you can do to help

Donate to the Refugee and Conflict Fund

Your donations will help reach vulnerable people fleeing war, poverty and natural disasters.

Pray for peace in Sudan

We ask the Lord to open the paths of peace as we pray for the people of Sudan who are facing conflict and hunger.

Parish fundraising

Hold a collection or fundraiser in your parish to get urgent support to families affected by the crisis in Sudan.

Fundraise on JustGiving

Set up a fundraising page on JustGiving to raise money for the Sudan Crisis Appeal.

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It takes all of us to support Sudan

IBRAHIM, CAFOD'S HEAD OF HUMANITARIAN

The crisis in Sudan continues to devastate civilian lives, as children, mothers and families are affected by conflict. Yet, despite the extreme challenges, there is still hope.

I want to share with you the story of the Sudanese people and how, despite immense challenges, hope is still alive.

Sudan-crisis-2025 — Ibrahim (right) is CAFOD's Head of Humanitarian

What is the current situation in Sudan?

Sudan has been affected by war since April 2023. The fighting is mainly between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It has plunged the country into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Sadly, over 150,000 people have already lost their lives. And over 11 million people (or 25 per cent of the population) are currently displaced—nearly four times the population of Wales—the largest humanitarian displacement in the world. Yet, the conflict continues. Many civilians are crossing borders into neighbouring South Sudan to find refuge.

I recently visited Renk, a border town in South Sudan on the White Nile. People arriving here have fled extreme violence and often arrive with very few of their belongings. Sometimes with nothing. The camps here are where displaced people can find shelter. Yet, they are currently at four times their capacity with 1,000 more people seeking shelter every day.

This means essential resources like blankets and food are being stretched to the limit. Many families are sleeping without proper shelter.

Donate now

At the heart of conflict, there are people like you and me fighting to survive

IBRAHIM, CAFOD'S HEAD OF HUMANITARIAN

What is the human impact of the crisis?

In Renk I met Sarah, a mother of four who had arrived in South Sudan after her hometown became a conflict zone. When fighting erupted in her neighbourhood, three of her children were far away at their grandmother’s house. Sarah had no choice but to flee without them to protect her one child at home.

Sarah told me, “I used to run a small business which was destroyed. I ran with nothing. Life has been very difficult, and sometimes l have no food to feed my child.”

Our local experts support Sarah through giving her cash, so she can buy essentials like food for her and her child. Her hope is simple: for the war to end so she can reunite with her children.

Sudan crisis - Sarah — Sarah with her youngest daughter

I ran with nothing. Life has been very difficult, and sometimes l have no food to feed my child.

SARAH, A MOTHER WHOSE SMALL BUSINESS WAS DESTROYED BY THE CONFLICT

I spoke to another mother, Mary, with her own story. Mary lost everything to the conflict. Sadly, some of her family members were killed. Imagine dealing with the loss of loved ones while fleeing to an unknown country?

Mary, her children and elderly mother crossed the border into South Sudan.

She told me, "The biggest challenge here now is shelter as we wait to relocate but it's so peaceful compared to the bombing and shelling we have experienced."

Mary and her unwell mother sleep outside as Mary works hard to find them shelter. She hopes to one day return home with her family and for her children to get an opportunity to go back to school.

Sudan crisis - Mary — Mary crossed the border into South Sudan with her children and elderly mother

The biggest challenge here now is shelter as we wait to relocate but it's so peaceful compared to the bombing and shelling we have experienced

MARY, WHO CROSSED THE BORDER TO SOUTH SUDAN WITH HER CHILDREN AND ELDERLY MOTHER