Inside Sudan’s crisis: First-hand stories from three years of conflict

15 April 2026 marks three years of devastating conflict in Sudan. More than 33 million people have been affected by the violence, hunger and disease, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Humanitarian needs are increasing but funding is decreasing.

• At least 150,000 people have been killed.
• 3.2 million children are severely malnourished.
• 19.2 million people – 40% of Sudan’s population – do not have enough food to eat.

The crisis isn’t just affecting Sudan. 14 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Many of them are fleeing to surrounding countries, including Kenya and Chad. Here are some of their stories.

Reuniting families in Port Sudan

Port Sudan is a major port city in Red Sea State, eastern Sudan.   

Here, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers are providing essential aid and helping reconnect families separated by conflict through the Restoring Family Links programme.

Sudanese photographer and filmmaker, Hassan Kamil, was commissioned to make content around the programme. Hassan’s work shows the power of simply being able to talk to loved ones again. 

Tag's story

Tag, a young man from North Darfur is currently living in a shelter in Port Sudan with his family, who fled El Fasher on foot. They were welcomed by the Sudanese Red Crescent and given food, winter supplies and financial support. The Red Crescent and ICRC also set up a hotline that helped reunite Tag’s family after they were separated by the conflict.

Rasha's story

Rasha is a Red Crescent volunteer in Red Sea State, Sudan. She helps displaced families through the Restoring Family Links programme, which reconnects separated loved ones. Families are struggling with little food, clean water, or medicine, and volunteers often share their own supplies to help them survive.

Cash assistance in Khartoum and White Nile State

Many families have lost their sources of income, and rising prices and insecurity are making daily life much harder. The situation is particularly difficult for those caring for people with disabilities.

The Sudanese Red Crescent, supported by the British and Danish Red Cross, gives direct cash assistance to vulnerable families in affected areas to help them cover urgent needs.

The programme helps restore dignity, build resilience, and support families facing displacement and instability. 

Alsadig's story

Alsadig lost his job and his only source of income because of the conflict. He is a father of three who received cash assistance. He used it to support his son who has Down syndrome. Alsadig’s son requires continuous care and supervision, and his health is Alsadig’s priority.  

Makkah's story

Makkah’s husband Ahmed is a former footballer, well-known in Sudan. A month before the conflict started, he was injured in a car accident that left him bedridden. Since then, he has depended on Makkah for care and support. Makkah provides for their family of seven. She used the cash to buy food, medicine and clothes and managed to start a small home-based business selling pastries.

Seeking refuge in Kenya

Thousands of people from Sudan have sought refuge in Turkana, Kenya.  

The Kenya Red Cross is giving medical care, cash support, and food to families fleeing Sudan. The British Red Cross Disaster Fund supported vital healthcare services from July to October 2025, but future funding is uncertain.

Photographer Sarah Waiswa was commissioned to make work around a refugee settlement. Sarah’s work highlights what people were able to take with them and what they had to leave behind. 

Idris' story

Idris used to work as a driver in Khartoum. When the fighting began, the streets that once felt familiar became a battleground. His family were forced to leave behind everything they knew. The few belongings they escaped with - phones, money and clothes - were stolen on the road. 

Musa's story

Musa and his wife Rose have six children. They have not heard from their families since they fled Sudan. They are struggling to survive after their aid was cut months ago. They rely on the Kenya Red Cross for safety and support.

Supporting women’s groups in Chad

Farchana camp in eastern Chad first opened in 2004 for people fleeing Darfur. It has grown a lot bigger as refugees escape the current conflict.

The camp now hosts tens of thousands of refugees in a remote Sahel region where resources are scarce for everyone.

The Chad Red Cross, with support from the IFRC, works closely with women’s groups in the camp. 

Zainab's story

Zainab* fled El Fasher with her children. For six months, she had no news of her husband, who was wounded and still in Sudan. With the ICRC's help, she was able to call a relative and learn that her husband was alive. She cherishes the day she heard his voice. She said, "I handed out candy to everyone, I was so happy!" A few weeks later, he was able to join them.

Laila's story

*Names changed