Sudan’s civil war continues to produce one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises as fighting enters its third year. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left tens of thousands dead from combat, disease, and hunger, while millions have been displaced. Families struggle to survive amid the chaos, with children suffering the brunt of malnutrition and preventable illnesses.

In August, the SAF consolidated control over Khartoum and central and eastern regions, including the strategic port city of Port Sudan. The RSF, in turn, dominates much of Darfur and southern Kordofan and has allied with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) to expand influence. RSF attacks on North Darfur’s capital, el-Fasher, threaten the city’s last SAF garrison and have trapped approximately 260,000 civilians, including 130,000 children. Satellite imagery shows sand berms encircling the city, creating a “kill-box” effect, with civilians caught in crossfire and with limited avenues for escape.

Many families survive on minimal food sources such as ambaz, a paste made from pressed oil seeds, yet supplies are dwindling. In Mellit, one-third of children are severely malnourished, reaching emergency thresholds defined by the World Health Organization. Cholera outbreaks in Darfur have claimed hundreds of lives and infected over 9,000, compounding the humanitarian crisis. Aid convoys from the United Nations and NGOs rarely reach affected areas due to roadblocks, attacks, and bureaucratic delays, including a recent drone strike on a UN convoy in North Darfur. South Kordofan faces similar hunger crises due to RSF sieges on Dilling and Kadugli.

Politically, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo was sworn in as president of a parallel “Peace government” in Nyala, South Darfur, coinciding with SAF drone strikes on the city. Reports suggest secret discussions in Switzerland between SAF Commander-in-Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a US adviser to explore pathways to peace, followed by the retirement of senior officers linked to Sudan’s former Islamist government.

Civilians remain at extreme risk as the war continues. The international community is being urged to intensify humanitarian aid, press for accountability, and ensure that ceasefires are implemented to protect those trapped in conflict zones.

Prayer Pointers

1. Pray: for God’s safeguarding over families trapped in conflict zones, that children and vulnerable communities would find refuge and safety. “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life.” Psalm 121:7
2. Pray: and ask the Lord to bring peace to Sudan for God to soften hardened hearts, ending cycles of revenge and hatred.
3. Pray: for the Church in Sudan for the to remain steadfast, bringing hope and comfort to those in despair.

Prayer – for Sudan’s Children and Families
Lord, we lift up the people of Kordofan. Protect the innocent, comfort the grieving, and bring an end to bloodshed. Raise Your Church to shine as a beacon of hope, and let Your peace touch this broken land. Amen

More: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/31/sudan-august-update