This report covers developments that occurred between October and November 2023. DFS and iMMAP Inc. follow a rigorous Secondary Data Review (SDR) process where all publicly available data on the humanitarian situation is consolidated into a database using an analytical framework based on the JIAF (see details on the DEEP platform in the Methodology Section). A comprehensive overview of the sources used to produce this report is provided in the Information sources section. An Information Landscape analysis will be released before December 31st, 2023.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) continue in their hostilities across Sudan, especially intensified in Khartoum and Darfur states, resulting in a cumulative effect on the humanitarian situation in nearby areas where civilians are taking refuge. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded over 3,400 political violence events since the beginning of the conflict and 870 events between October and November (ACLED 01/12/2023). RSF's territorial expansion, and associated increase in insecurity, particularly in Darfur, has severely limited humanitarian access. This limitation exacerbates the plight of civilians struggling with rising prices, destruction, and looting. The conflict has displaced 5.3 million people within the country and driven 1.3 million people outside Sudan, disrupted education for 12 million children, and triggered an economic downturn, making Sudan a top hunger hotspot.
Challenges in humanitarian access - including conflict-related violence and logistical barriers - coupled with banking disruptions, hinder aid delivery and leave essential services inaccessible. Despite these obstacles, humanitarian agencies have reached 4.5 million people through lifesaving assistance, but funding remains a significant challenge, with the humanitarian response plan only 39% funded as of December 7. A commitment to protect civilians and enhance humanitarian access has been made by the parties to the conflict, with the establishment of a Humanitarian Forum led by UN OCHA in early November 2023. However, the situation remains precarious, and the involvement of multiple armed actors raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence, making the ongoing conflict in Sudan a complex and dangerous humanitarian crisis.
