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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.
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.
“At the heart of conflict, there are people like you and me fighting to survive”
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.
Sarah with her youngest daughter
“I ran with nothing. Life has been very difficult, and sometimes l have no food to feed my child.”
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.
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”
Sudan crisis: What you can do to help
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.
Pope Francis calls for peace in Sudan
Despite this, we have hope as Pope Francis continues to raise awareness about the Sudan crisis and for women like Sarah and Mary.
He refuses to turn a blind eye to the conflict, and it gives me peace knowing that he stands with Sudanese people.
Pope Francis calls us “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions”.
His words remind us that the international community must act to support Sudan’s people and end this 'forgotten war'. It gives me hope to see Pope Francis addressing the crisis when international attention has been inadequate.
How big is the crisis?
Sarah and Mary are just two of the millions of people whose lives have been devasted by conflict. Over 26 million people—nearly half the population of England—need emergency aid. In North Darfur, famine has been declared with more areas at risk.
What’s famine? Famine is the most extreme manifestation of human suffering. It’s the catastrophic collapse of systems and resources essential for survival. Not just the lack of food but a breakdown of health, livelihood and social structures.
Schools, places of worship and hospitals have been destroyed. The collapse of these essential public spaces has devasted young people's lives. Sadly, children are experiencing the worst of the crisis, losing parents, siblings, education and their future.
“It takes all of us to support Sudan”
What is CAFOD’s response to the Sudan crisis?
It gives me hope seeing our incredible local experts working tirelessly to provide essential care to those living in and fleeing conflict.
Thanks to CAFOD supporters, we are on the ground working directly with families, like Sarah’s and Mary’s, affected by war. We provide life-saving essentials like nutritious food, clean water and blankets.
CAFOD’s Sudan Appeal funds hot-soup kitchens and food distribution through our local experts and church structures. We are also mitigating diseases such as cholera through healthcare programmes, reaching over 300,000 people.
I have seen the life-changing impact CAFOD’s support is having on thousands of displaced families. I see how support from people in the UK can directly help experts in Sudan work with families living in extremely challenging circumstances.
For those of us on the ground, the support from CAFOD’s supporters is a source of hope. Your contributions allow us to work closely with local experts who have the skills to direct your donation where it will make the greatest impact.
CAFOD continues to work closely in communities affected. And with your support, we will be there to rebuild lives after the crisis.
How you can help the people of Sudan
Despite the extreme challenges the Sudanese people face, there is still hope. It takes all of us to support communities living in conflict.
You can help by donating to CAFOD’s Refugee and Conflict Fund. Your donation will be with our local experts, who are working tirelessly to support families. Also, you can join me with keeping those living through the conflict in your prayers.
I would also like to urge people to share this story. Talk to your friends, family and parish about Sudan’s conflict. Please don’t forget about our sisters and brothers caught up in this conflict.
It takes all of us to support Sudan. We stand together. It takes you, our local experts and the communities we support all working together to build a better world.