The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: A Landscape of Peril and Neglect
Three years into the brutal civil war in Sudan, the very people who are supposed to be protecting lives—aid workers, grassroots volunteers, and emergency response coordinators—have become targets. Whether affiliated with international agencies or part of local civil society, these individuals now navigate a landscape filled with violence, bureaucratic hurdles, suspicion, and a lack of accountability.
The Erosion of Humanitarian Neutrality
From the onset of the conflict, the principle of humanitarian neutrality has been steadily eroded. Both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have repeatedly obstructed relief efforts, restricted access to vulnerable areas, and harassed or detained aid providers under vague accusations of political affiliations or "unauthorized work." This has created an environment where humanitarian operations are no longer guided by principles of impartiality but by the whims of military and security forces.
Political analyst Dalia Abdelmoneim highlighted this reality, stating that the operational work of humanitarian workers—whether local or international—is now dictated by the decisions of either army. This sentiment is echoed by many humanitarian actors in the country, who describe aid delivery as neither neutral nor secure. Relief convoys have been raided, emergency kitchens staff killed, while the international community continues to offer condemnation without meaningful consequences.
Bureaucratic Barriers and Security Interference
Aid delivery in Sudan is increasingly governed by militarized discretion rather than humanitarian principles. Bureaucratic entanglements and security interference have made it nearly impossible for aid workers to carry out even basic tasks like providing drinking water or distributing dignity kits. These operations require permits, often obtained through complex and opaque channels.
Ahmed Awad, a volunteer with the Emergency Response Room (ERR) in Gedaref State, described how even when permissions are granted, volunteers are frequently monitored by security personnel. In Khartoum, once a hub of mutual aid, state institutions now demand intrusive oversight of relief work. Volunteers report that they operate under constant surveillance, making their efforts more dangerous and less effective.
Grassroots Efforts Under Threat
Sudan’s grassroots networks—such as the ERRs, resistance committees, and youth-led kitchen collectives—have played a crucial role in sustaining communities amid collapse. However, their visibility has turned them into liabilities. According to Ahmed Awad, there is no security or protection for volunteers unless they align with the agendas of security agencies.
In Khartoum, volunteers have reported that community kitchens are being treated as political threats. One volunteer noted, “They're not offering help—they're eliminating those who are.” This reflects a broader pattern where local initiatives, once seen as paths toward protection, are now viewed as potential threats by both government and armed groups.
Regional Variations and Persistent Risks
Even in cities less affected by frontline combat, such as Nyala in South Darfur, safety remains conditional. Civil society activist Sara* explained that while ERR volunteers in Nyala face fewer restrictions due to operating under a local de facto authority, this does not guarantee safety. Any shift in local power dynamics could strip volunteers of their protected status overnight.
Local aid worker Mahmoud* shared similar concerns, noting that while access to provide humanitarian aid may be relatively easy in Nyala, on-the-ground implementation is inconsistent. Local RSF soldiers may not be informed of top-level authorizations, creating unpredictable risks for aid workers.
Systematic Criminalization of Aid Work
The targeting of humanitarian workers has become increasingly systematic. In El Fasher, Darfur, multiple attacks by the RSF in 2025 have severely impacted relief capacity. One of the most deadly incidents involved the killing of nine staff members from Relief International. Armed actors have not only killed personnel but also looted supplies, torched medical facilities, and raided food convoys.
Mathilde Vu, a spokesperson for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), emphasized that international humanitarian law is routinely violated in Sudan. She pointed to the obstruction of humanitarian access by both SAF and RSF, who manipulate aid flows for strategic gain. Vu warned that the deliberate targeting of Sudanese frontline responders is one of the most dangerous consequences of the crisis.
A Crisis Without Accountability
What makes Sudan’s humanitarian crisis particularly harrowing is the absence of accountability. Despite numerous UN Security Council briefings, reports from rights organizations, and testimonies from humanitarian agencies, there has been little to no consequence for the warring factions that routinely violate humanitarian norms.
Dalia Abdelmoneim criticized the international community for its inaction, stating that while public condemnations are frequent, meaningful action is lacking. Even as Sudan faces the world's largest hunger crisis, with nearly 25 million people requiring urgent assistance, donors and diplomatic actors have deprioritized the safety of those delivering aid.
Vu emphasized that humanitarian law is not contingent on peace. “We shouldn’t wait for a ceasefire to allow people to be fed, to make sure that NGO, UN, and local response workers or medical staff are protected,” she said. Without enforcement of humanitarian norms and guarantees from Sudan’s warring parties, the country’s humanitarian space continues to shrink.
As the crisis deepens, so do the risks faced by those working to save lives. Their efforts remain invisible, yet their impact is profound. Without intervention, the lives and dignity of those still working—often at great personal cost—will continue to be lost.
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