**Red Cross Urges International Aid as Sudan Crisis Deepens**
*Published on August 4, 2026*
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has issued a pressing call for increased international support for Sudan, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis in the country. Derk Segaar, the IFRC Special Envoy for Sudan, emphasized that Sudan is facing one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies, yet it remains significantly overlooked by the international community.
In a statement made in Geneva after his return from Sudan, Segaar noted the dire conditions on the ground, stating that humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing while funding remains inadequate. He pointed out that approximately 35 million people in Sudan require humanitarian assistance, with over 9 million internally displaced due to ongoing conflict. Furthermore, an estimated 4.5 million individuals have fled the country as a result of the violence.
The crisis in Sudan escalated dramatically in April 2023 when fighting erupted between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese military. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, at least 59,000 people have lost their lives due to the conflict, although aid organizations believe the actual number may be significantly higher.
While some aid has begun to reach the Kordofan and Darfur regions, Segaar stressed that the entire country has been devastated by the conflict, particularly in urban areas like Khartoum. Millions of residents in the capital are struggling with a lack of access to reliable electricity, clean water, and healthcare services. The situation is further compounded by outbreaks of cholera, widespread malnutrition, and seasonal flooding.
In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, military operations continue. Sudanese Army Lieutenant-General Yasser al-Atta announced on Monday that the military is making advances against the RSF, with the goal of eliminating the paramilitary group by the end of the year. His remarks came during a gathering of soldiers, although the specific location was not disclosed. Al-Atta stated, “We are implementing the theory of advancing in all directions, with all fronts moving simultaneously,” indicating a strategy similar to the military's previous efforts to regain control of Khartoum.
Recent military operations have reportedly resulted in the capture of key positions along a vital route connecting Omdurman to el-Obeid in North Kordofan. The conflict in Sudan's Kordofan states—North, West, and South—has persisted since October 2025, with continued clashes between the army and the RSF.
In parallel to military efforts, the United Nations is intensifying diplomatic initiatives to revive the stalled political process in Sudan. A recent meeting involved representatives from five international organizations, including the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union, and the League of Arab States. These discussions aimed to engage Sudanese political parties and explore proposals for advancing the political process, including confidence-building measures.
UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, is also in talks with RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo to address the escalating tensions and seek avenues for de-escalation.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, the IFRC's call for international support underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict. With millions of lives at stake, the international community faces a critical moment to respond to one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.