Sudan War Enters Fourth Year With 150,000 Estimated Dead and Widespread Famine

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.

In Khartoum and eastern regions, security has improved enough for at least 1.3 million displaced people to return. Those returnees have encountered severe food shortages, few employment opportunities and minimal services. The economy has been shattered, resulting in widespread poverty.

Approximately 200 schools in Khartoum alone remain out of operation, either destroyed or occupied as shelters for displaced families. Hospitals that survived the fighting have been looted and function only partially. Electricity supply is limited to a few hours each day.

Aid teams are working to rebuild schools and health facilities while providing psychosocial support to residents who have experienced trauma. The overall level of need exceeds current response capacity. Many individuals described losing family members to violence and undertaking dangerous journeys to reach safety.

Fighting intensified in several states during the past month, including new drone attacks on Khartoum. Some residents express concern that continued conflict in western Sudan could lead to the country dividing in two. World leaders gathered in Berlin last month to mark the war's third anniversary.

The conference produced little concrete progress toward a ceasefire or diplomatic solution. International governments have been urged to increase political efforts to secure a ceasefire, support local stability measures and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need. Resources supplied from outside the country have sometimes contributed to sustaining the conflict rather than resolving it.

“What the Sudanese people I met want most is for the war to end, to go back to their homes, and to live in dignity and without fear. ”