The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sudan is nearing 10 million.
This alarming figure underscores the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in the country. Prior to the current hostilities, there were already 2.8 million internally displaced people in Sudan. In total, about 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with more than two million crossing into neighboring countries, including Egypt and Chad.
Mohamed Refaat, Sudan Chief of Mission for the IOM, expressed profound concern over the escalating crisis. “How much suffering and loss of life must the people of Sudan endure before the world takes notice? Isn’t 10 million internally displaced enough to compel urgent global action?” he said. “Every one of those 10 million displaced lives represents a profound human tragedy that demands urgent attention.”
Refaat highlighted that more than half of the internally displaced people in Sudan are women, and a quarter are children under five. He pointed out that aid agencies are struggling to keep up with the rising needs. “Serious concerns are mounting about the long-term impact of displacement on Sudan’s social and economic fabric,” he added.
UN agencies have warned that Sudan is at “imminent risk of famine,” with approximately 18 million people acutely hungry. This figure includes 3.6 million children who are acutely malnourished. The escalating crisis has intensified calls for urgent international intervention to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
The rapidly increasing number of IDPs in Sudan highlights the urgent need for coordinated global action to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and to support long-term recovery and stability in the region.