KHARTOUM, Sudan — One year since the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) retook control of the capital, large parts of Khartoum remain devastated. The shell of the grand presidential palace is stained black from fire and smoke, its windows and floors blown out, its Islamic-style arches and columns crumbling. Posters of martyred soldiers line some remaining structures.
The conflict between SAF forces loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has persisted since April 2023, with no resolution in sight as the war enters its fourth year. The fighting has displaced more than 8 million people and created widespread famine conditions in multiple regions.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive lawmakers and human rights organizations have called for increased U.S. involvement in Sudan, arguing that American leadership is essential to pressuring both sides toward a ceasefire. Representative Betty McCollum of Minnesota said the administration should prioritize diplomatic efforts and support for humanitarian corridors. "The United States cannot stand by while millions of Sudanese face famine and displacement," she stated at a recent congressional hearing.
Organizations including Human Rights Watch have documented widespread atrocities committed by both RSF and SAF forces, including attacks on civilians and sexual violence. These groups argue that U.S. policy should include targeted sanctions against commanders responsible for abuses and expanded support for international criminal investigations. The progressive caucus has also pushed for greater refugee resettlement commitments from the United States.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative foreign policy voices have expressed concern about Sudan's strategic implications, particularly regarding regional stability and potential terrorist threats. Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the conflict risks creating ungoverned spaces that could be exploited by extremist groups. "We need to be clear-eyed about the national security implications of a prolonged Sudan collapse," he wrote in a policy statement.
Some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether extensive U.S. engagement is warranted given other global priorities and limited American leverage over actors who have shown willingness to ignore international pressure. Others argue for supporting regional partners, particularly neighboring countries working to manage refugee flows and maintain stability in East Africa.
What the Numbers Show
The United Nations estimates that 24 million Sudanese — more than half the country's population — face acute food insecurity. The World Food Programme has documented famine conditions in multiple regions, with aid organizations reporting significant challenges accessing conflict zones. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that only a fraction of needed humanitarian funding has been secured.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of confirmed deaths since April 2023, though actual casualties are believed to be significantly higher due to limited access to active combat zones. The International Organization for Migration reports over 8 million people have been displaced internally or cross-border as refugees.
The Bottom Line
The situation in Sudan represents one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises with no immediate political resolution apparent. Both SAF and RSF forces continue to control significant territory, and international mediation efforts led by Saudi Arabia and Switzerland have yet to produce a lasting ceasefire agreement. What happens next will likely depend on whether external pressure can convince both generals that continued fighting carries greater costs than negotiated compromise.