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Sudan War Enters Fourth Year With 150,000 Estimated Dead and Widespread Famine
A recent visit to Khartoum revealed extensive destruction across the Sudanese capital, which once held 7 million people but now stands largely empty with most buildings damaged by shelling and gunfire. More than 58,000 deaths have been recorded, with estimates reaching 150,000, while 29 million people face food shortages.
May 12, 8:08 AM·2m read1 source
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A staff member from the aid organization Islamic Relief visited Khartoum in early May 2026 for the first time since the war began three years ago. The visit showed a city that once housed 7 million residents now appears almost empty, with widespread destruction from shelling, air attacks and gunfire visible across districts.
Buildings stand destroyed or partially flattened while those still intact show extensive bullet damage.
The scale of destruction exceeded any seen by the visitor during 30 years of humanitarian work. Limited access to many areas and the conflict's complexity have contributed to insufficient international attention, according to the report. More than 58,000 deaths have been recorded in the war, though estimates suggest the total may reach 150,000.
Exact casualty counts remain difficult to determine because infrastructure has collapsed and millions are displaced. Deaths have occurred not only from direct violence but also from disease and starvation. Repeated outbreaks of cholera, viral hepatitis, meningitis, yellow fever and other infectious diseases have been reported.
The conflict has produced the world's largest hunger crisis, with 29 million people — 62 percent of the population — lacking sufficient food. Famine has continued to spread in parts of the country. Local community kitchens operated by volunteers form a central part of efforts to prevent famine.
Islamic Relief research found that 42 percent of 844 surveyed kitchens nationwide shut down in the past six months because of insufficient funds and supplies. Recent disruptions to supply chains have doubled food and fuel prices, pushing additional families into hunger.
