Sudan in ruins after two years of war 

The second anniversary of the outbreak of civil war in Sudan falls this month. What began as a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces has turned into one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. The war has left Sudan in ruins, devastating its infrastructure, economy and healthcare system, while causing immense human suffering. Millions have been displaced, famine looms and neighboring countries are struggling to cope with the influx of refugees.

The international community must acknowledge the depth of this catastrophe and take immediate action to prevent further destruction. A ceasefire must be reached, humanitarian corridors must be established and diplomatic efforts must be intensified to end this senseless war.

The war has reduced Sudan’s infrastructure to rubble, leaving behind a country that is barely functional. In Khartoum, Omdurman and other major cities, essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications have been severely disrupted. Schools and universities have been destroyed or turned into makeshift military outposts, depriving an entire generation of Sudanese children of an education. Roads and bridges have been bombed or blocked, isolating entire communities. The banking system has collapsed, with many businesses either shutting down or moving their operations abroad.

Economically, Sudan is in freefall. The destruction of key industries, including agriculture and manufacturing, has left millions without an income. Farmers have been forced to abandon their land due to violence, further exacerbating food shortages. Inflation has skyrocketed, making even basic necessities unaffordable.

The UN estimates that more than 60 percent of Sudanese citizens are now living below the poverty line, with no clear path to recovery unless the war ends. The collapse of Sudan’s economy is not just a national issue — it poses a direct threat to regional stability, as economic desperation often fuels violence, crime and instability.

Sudan’s healthcare system, already fragile before the war, is now in total disarray. Hospitals and medical facilities have been bombed, ransacked or turned into military bases. In Khartoum alone, nearly half of the hospitals have been damaged, leaving millions without access to emergency care. Medical supplies are running out and doctors are being forced to perform operations without anesthesia or proper sterilization. The shortage of medicine has led to a surge in preventable deaths, particularly among children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue fever are spreading rapidly due to poor sanitation and the collapse of water infrastructure. Malnutrition is also taking a devastating toll on Sudan’s population, with millions of children facing starvation. Aid organizations have repeatedly warned that, without immediate intervention, Sudan could face one of the worst health crises of the 21st century. However, humanitarian groups face severe challenges in reaching those in need due to ongoing violence and bureaucratic restrictions imposed by the warring factions.

Without immediate intervention, Sudan could face one of the worst health crises of the 21st century

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

The scale of the human suffering in Sudan is staggering. More than 26 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with at least 12 million internally displaced. Entire families have been forced to flee their homes, often with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Many are living in overcrowded camps with no access to food, clean water or medical care. The World Food Programme has reported that Sudan is on the brink of famine, with millions at risk of starvation in the coming months.

Sudan’s war has also triggered one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. Nearly 1 million Sudanese have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt and the Central African Republic. These nations, many of which were already struggling with economic hardship and internal instability, are struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced people. Refugee camps are overcrowded, underfunded and lack basic necessities such as food, water and medical care.

In Chad, the refugee crisis has put immense pressure on local resources, leading to tensions. Without significant international support, Sudan’s refugee crisis could destabilize the entire region, leading to further conflict and displacement.

The Sudanese conflict is yet another reminder of the devastating consequences of civil war. There are no winners — only death, destruction and suffering. The Sudanese people, who once had hope for a better future, are now trapped in an endless cycle of violence and despair. History has shown that civil wars rarely lead to sustainable political solutions. Instead, they create deep wounds that take generations to heal. The longer the war continues, the harder it will be to rebuild Sudan. The world must recognize that allowing this conflict to persist will only lead to greater instability, more deaths and more suffering.

The global community cannot afford to remain silent. The first and most immediate step must be a ceasefire to halt the violence and open humanitarian corridors. Both warring parties must be pressured into negotiations, with regional and global powers playing a key role in mediating the conflict.

At the same time, the international community must step up its financial and logistical support for humanitarian efforts. The UN, the African Union and donor nations must ensure that promised aid actually reaches those in need. Many pledges made remain unfulfilled, leaving millions without food, water or medical care. The longer the delays in the delivery of aid, the more lives will be lost.

To achieve lasting peace, the international community must work closely with the African Union and Sudan’s neighbors. African-led peace initiatives, if properly supported, could provide a framework for long-term stability. The Jeddah Declaration, which has previously served as a negotiation platform for Sudanese factions, should be revived and expanded. Diplomacy must be prioritized over military action.

In conclusion, two years of war have left Sudan in ruins. Millions have been displaced, thousands have been killed and an entire nation has been pushed to the brink of collapse. The suffering of the Sudanese people cannot be ignored any longer. The international community must step up, not just with words but with concrete action. A ceasefire must be reached, humanitarian aid must flow and diplomatic efforts must be intensified to end this brutal conflict.

Sudan cannot afford another year of war. It is time for world leaders, aid organizations and regional powers to prioritize peace and human dignity for the Sudanese people.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh