After large-scale conflict erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, humanitarian needs in the country have been at a crisis level. The two fighting factions were previously allies, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, who worked together to oust the country's authoritarian ruler in 2019. They started warring in 2023 amid disagreements on the country’s political future. A year following the start of the current crisis, the conflict has killed more than 14,000 people, and injured untold more.
Sudan already faced a severe humanitarian crisis even before this round of violence, driven by the Darfur crisis that started in 2003. A combination of longstanding political and economic instability meant that 15.8 million people were in need of humanitarian aid (one in three people across Sudan), even prior to the current conflict, per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).The situation has grown even more dire recently, with almost 25 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, needing humanitarian assistance.
With more than 8.6 million displaced, and with reports of mass killings, access to food, water, shelter, health care, cash, fuel, and other basic needs, has been severely limited, making it extremely challenging to reach vulnerable communities. OCHA estimates the need for aid to be at about $2.7 billion in 2024 to service the people of Sudan. But so far, AP reports that only $145 million, about 5% of that amount, has been raised.
Here are some organizations that are raising funds to continue to help those impacted by the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, provides on the ground resources, emergency supplies and basic survival goods like food, medicine, water and baby care kits. You can donate directly, here.
World Food Program
This international organization within the United Nations provides food assistance worldwide, and has been present in Sudan since 1963. According to the WFP, the organization has reached approximately 8.4 million beneficiaries throughout 2023 overall. Donate directly to its Sudan emergency fund, here.
Doctors without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
MSF teams in Sudan and neighboring regions, provide emergency treatment, surgical care, mobile clinics for displaced people, treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and pediatric health care, water and sanitation services, and donations of medicines and medical supplies to health care facilities. Donate to their general fund here.
Islamic Relief Worldwide
This organization has worked in Sudan for nearly 40 years, and focuses on long-term development, building skills and awareness in local government and communities, helping to improve people’s education and livelihoods and promoting peace-building and children’s and women’s rights. The organization has released an emergency call for aid to the region, noting that famine is imminent after a year of conflict. Here is how to donate directly.
Muslim Aid USA
This faith-based organization collaborates with local partners to provide emergency food relief and medical aid to countries around the world facing issues like economic decline, environmental disaster and political conflict. Donate here to their emergency appeal for aid to Sudan.
