Sudan Conflict Timeline

April 15, 2023 – Present

A chronological reference. Date → Event → Source. Last updated: December 23, 2025

983
Days of conflict
150,000–400,000
Estimated deaths
12M+
Displaced
Apr 23 May 23 Jun 23 Jul 23 Aug 23 Sep 23 Oct 23 Nov 23 Dec 23 2024 Dec 25

2023

April

Apr 15
MilitaryRSF launches attacks on SAF bases across Sudan. Fighting erupts at Presidential Palace, Khartoum International Airport, and multiple locations in Khartoum. War begins.
Wikipedia
Apr 15
MilitaryRSF claims capture of Khartoum, Merowe, and El Obeid airports. SAF closes all airports. Air strikes begin on RSF positions.
Al Jazeera
Apr 15
MilitaryClashes erupt in Al-Fashir (North Darfur capital). RSF claims capture of Al-Fashir airport.
Wikipedia Timeline
Apr 16
PoliticalSudan airspace closed. Chad, Egypt, South Sudan close borders. Arab League, EU, UN call for ceasefire.
Wikipedia Timeline
Apr 17
PoliticalUS diplomatic convoy fired upon in Darfur. Convoy escapes unharmed.
Wikipedia Timeline
Apr 18
HumanitarianFirst ceasefire announced. Fighting continues despite announcement. Hospitals report shortages of personnel, electricity, water.
Wikipedia Timeline
Apr 22-23
PoliticalInternational evacuations begin. US, UK, France, Germany, and other countries evacuate diplomats and citizens.
BBC
Apr 24
HumanitarianWHO reports attacks on health facilities. 16 verified attacks on healthcare in first 10 days.
WHO

April (Late)

Apr 25
MilitaryHeavy fighting at Sudan Armed Forces headquarters in Khartoum. SAF launches air strikes on RSF positions citywide.
BBC
Apr 26
HumanitarianICRC evacuates 60 children and workers from orphanage caught in crossfire in Khartoum. Many civilians trapped in homes.
ICRC
Apr 28
DisplacementFirst major wave of Sudanese refugees arrives in Egypt. Over 10,000 cross in first two weeks.
UNHCR
Apr 30
HumanitarianCentral Blood Bank in Khartoum runs out of blood supplies. Multiple hospitals report zero stock of essential medicines.
MSF

May

May 4
PoliticalJeddah peace talks begin between SAF and RSF, mediated by Saudi Arabia and US.
US State Dept
May 11
PoliticalJeddah Declaration signed. Both parties commit to protect civilians, allow humanitarian access. Declaration repeatedly violated.
US State Dept
May 20
HumanitarianUN reports 1 million people displaced internally within first month of conflict.
UNHCR
May 25
MilitaryRSF captures West Darfur capital El Geneina. Governor issues distress call. Ethnic violence escalates.
Al Jazeera
May 29
HumanitarianMSF reports Bashair Teaching Hospital in Khartoum forced to close after being caught in crossfire.
MSF

June

Jun 3
PoliticalJeddah talks suspended after multiple ceasefire violations.
US State Dept
Jun 15
HumanitarianWest Darfur: Mass atrocities reported in El Geneina. Masalit community targeted. Hundreds killed in ethnic violence.
Human Rights Watch
Jun 16
HumanitarianGovernor of West Darfur Khamis Abakar kidnapped and killed by RSF after accusing them of genocide.
BBC

July

Jul 4
HumanitarianHuman Rights Watch publishes "Ethnic Cleansing in Darfur" report documenting systematic targeting of Masalit people.
Human Rights Watch

August

Aug 15
HumanitarianConflict reaches 4-month mark. 4 million displaced (internal + refugees). Humanitarian access severely restricted.
UN OCHA

September

Sep 19
HumanitarianUN reports 7,500 killed (confirmed), though actual toll believed far higher. 5.4 million displaced.
OHCHR

October

Oct 15
MilitarySix-month mark. RSF controls most of Darfur. SAF holds Khartoum, Port Sudan, eastern regions. Stalemate emerging.
Crisis Group
Oct 26
MilitaryRSF captures Nyala, capital of South Darfur, Sudan's second-largest city.
Al Jazeera

November

Nov 4
MilitaryRSF captures El Geneina, capital of West Darfur, after months of siege and atrocities.
BBC

December

Dec 15
MilitaryRSF captures Wad Madani, capital of Al Jazirah state, only 100km south of Khartoum. Major blow to SAF.
Al Jazeera

2024

January

Jan 1
PoliticalHemedti meets Tagadum delegation led by former PM Hamdok in Addis Ababa. Agrees to release 451 RSF captives and commit to ceasefire.
Wikipedia
Jan 2
MilitaryRSF attacks Barah in North Kordofan. SAF launches airstrikes on RSF positions in Wad Madani, Sennar, and Khartoum.
Wikipedia
Jan 3
HumanitarianSudan crisis becomes world's largest displacement crisis. 7+ million internally displaced. 1.5+ million refugees in neighboring countries.
UNHCR
Jan 10
HumanitarianUN announces over 7.5 million people displaced by the war—largest displacement crisis globally.
Wikipedia
Jan 14
HumanitarianSAF airstrikes damage ancient Meroitic sites at Naqa and Musawwarat es-Sufra—UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Wikipedia
Jan 16
PoliticalSudan suspends ties with IGAD after regional body invites Hemedti to summit. Bans all grassroots committees established since 2019 revolution.
Wikipedia
Jan 20
PoliticalSudan suspends IGAD membership entirely after Hemedti attends summit in Uganda.
Wikipedia
Jan 24
MilitaryRSF launches offensive to seize Babanusa and SAF's 22nd Infantry Division garrison. At least 23 killed.
Wikipedia
Jan 27
MilitarySAF launches major offensive in Khartoum Bahri, seizing Kadru neighborhood and Al-Jawafa bridge. First use of paratroopers since war began.
Wikipedia
Jan 30
MilitaryGeneral Burhan orders SAF to launch full-scale offensive against RSF.
Wikipedia
Jan 31
PoliticalUS imposes sanctions on two RSF-linked firms for gold exports and one SAF-linked weapons company.
Wikipedia

February

Feb 1
PoliticalTemporary ceasefire in Babanusa to allow civilian evacuation, following mediation by Misseriya tribal leaders.
Wikipedia
Feb 5
MilitaryRSF captures El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan and Sudan's fifth-largest city. Key supply route for SAF now cut.
Sudan War Monitor
Feb 11
HumanitarianWFP warns 18 million Sudanese face acute hunger. Aid access to conflict zones remains severely restricted.
WFP
Feb 15
MilitarySAF regains control of Al-Halfaya bridge in Khartoum Bahri after intense fighting. First major bridge recaptured.
Sudan War Monitor
Feb 22
PoliticalEuropean Council imposes sanctions on six firms for supporting activities undermining Sudan's stability, including SAF weapons manufacturers.
Wikipedia

March

Mar 4
MilitaryRSF attacks Mellit in North Darfur. Town had been a refuge for displaced persons fleeing other areas.
Sudan War Monitor
Mar 8
PoliticalUN Security Council passes Resolution 2724 demanding ceasefire during Ramadan. Both sides ignore it.
UN Security Council
Mar 15
HumanitarianMSF reports South Hospital in El Fasher under repeated shelling. Only functional hospital serving 500,000+ people.
MSF
Mar 25
MilitaryJoint SAF-SPLM-N forces capture Abu Jibeha from RSF in South Kordofan. Marks expansion of alliance.
Wikipedia

April

Apr 15
HumanitarianOne-year mark. 15,000+ confirmed dead (true toll estimated 150,000+). 8.8 million displaced. 25 million need humanitarian aid.
UN OCHA
Apr 15
MilitaryRSF begins assault on El Fasher, last major city in Darfur not under RSF control. 800,000+ civilians trapped.
MSF

May

May 10
MilitaryRSF intensifies assault on El Fasher. Shelling kills dozens of civilians in displaced persons camps.
MSF
May 24
HumanitarianSouth Darfur Hospital in Nyala forced to close after RSF looting. Only 20-30% of health facilities in conflict zones operational.
MSF

June

Jun 5
HumanitarianIPC famine risk assessment warns Zamzam camp and other areas at imminent risk of famine conditions.
IPC
Jun 15
Humanitarian14-month anniversary. 10+ million displaced. At least 9 million facing emergency hunger (IPC Phase 4+).
UN OCHA
Jun 27
MilitaryRSF captures Sinja, capital of Sennar state. Fresh mass displacement as 50,000+ flee toward Ethiopian border.
Al Jazeera

July

Jul 3
MilitaryRSF captures Sennar city and state capital. SAF forced to retreat. RSF now controls most of central Sudan.
Sudan War Monitor
Jul 10
HumanitarianCholera outbreak confirmed in multiple states. Health system near total collapse in conflict zones.
WHO

August

Aug 1
HumanitarianIPC confirms famine conditions in Zamzam camp, North Darfur. First famine confirmed in Sudan since 2011 in South Sudan (pre-independence).
IPC
Aug 15
HumanitarianAdré border crossing between Chad and Sudan reopened for humanitarian aid after months of SAF blockade.
UN OCHA

September

Sep 5
MilitarySAF recaptures key positions in Omdurman, including state TV headquarters. First major urban gains in months.
Sudan War Monitor
Sep 12
HumanitarianFamine officially declared in Zamzam camp, North Darfur. First famine declaration in Sudan in decades.
IPC
Sep 18
PoliticalUN Human Rights Council extends mandate of Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, citing systematic human rights violations by both parties.
OHCHR
Sep 25
HumanitarianUNICEF reports 3.7 million children acutely malnourished, 700,000+ in severe acute malnutrition. Child deaths from hunger mounting.
UNICEF

October

Oct 5
MilitarySAF launches major counter-offensive in Khartoum and Bahri. First significant territorial gains since losing Wad Madani.
Sudan War Monitor
Oct 12
MilitarySAF retakes Kadro and parts of Bahri, pushing RSF back. Territorial momentum shifts for first time since early 2024.
Sudan War Monitor
Oct 20
HumanitarianIPC updates: 25.6 million facing acute food insecurity, famine conditions spreading beyond Zamzam to additional localities.
IPC
Oct 28
PoliticalUAE vetoes UN Security Council resolution calling for ceasefire. Fourth veto blocking international action on Sudan.
UN Security Council

November

Nov 5
MilitaryRSF captures El Fasher after months-long siege. Darfur now fully under RSF control. Reports of mass atrocities during and after capture.
Al Jazeera
Nov 10
HumanitarianMass graves discovered in El Fasher following RSF takeover. Exact toll unknown. Witnesses report systematic killings.
Human Rights Watch
Nov 15
MilitarySAF advances in Omdurman continue. Military command structure reorganized after battlefield losses.
Sudan War Monitor
Nov 20
HumanitarianUN reports over 11 million internally displaced—largest internal displacement crisis in the world.
UNHCR
Nov 28
HumanitarianWFP forced to reduce rations by 50% due to funding shortfall. Only 45% of $2.7B humanitarian appeal funded.
WFP

December

Dec 5
HumanitarianMSF reports last functioning hospital in El Fasher closed after fighting. No surgical capacity in North Darfur.
MSF
Dec 10
PoliticalHuman Rights Day. UN Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention warns Sudan at high risk of genocide in Darfur.
UN Genocide Prevention
Dec 16
HumanitarianIRC names Sudan #1 on Emergency Watchlist for third consecutive year. 33.7 million in need—largest crisis in recorded history.
IRC
Dec 17
MilitarySAF announces recapture of Sennar state capital after weeks of fighting. First major state capital reclaimed from RSF in 2024.
Sudan War Monitor
Dec 18
HumanitarianOCHA reports 2024 humanitarian response reached only 4.3 million people monthly—less than 20% of those in need.
UN OCHA
Dec 18
AtrocityUN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Chaloka Beyani, reports from Kenya mission: mass atrocities in Darfur show "alarming indicators associated with the risk of genocide." Says people in Darfur "need healing."
UN News
Dec 19
DisplacementChad hosts 700,000+ Sudanese refugees. Adré crossing sees 1,000 new arrivals daily. Eastern Chad facing secondary crisis.
UNHCR
Dec 20
Humanitarian20 months of war. Estimated 150,000+ dead. 12+ million displaced. 25+ million in acute hunger. World's largest humanitarian crisis.
UN OCHA
Dec 21
PoliticalAfrican Union Peace and Security Council reiterates call for ceasefire. Neither party responds. Mediation efforts remain stalled.
African Union
Dec 22
HumanitarianIPC projects famine will spread to 5 additional localities by January 2025 without immediate intervention. Window closing.
IPC
Dec 23
Humanitarian617 days of conflict. WHO reports 80% of health facilities in conflict zones non-functional. Medical supply chains collapsed.
WHO
Dec 23
MilitarySAF continues consolidation in Sennar and Gezira states recaptured in October. RSF retreats southward toward White Nile state.
ACLED

2025

December

Dec 1
MilitaryRSF captures Babanusa in West Kordofan, a key railway junction.
Al Jazeera
Dec 5
HumanitarianRSF attacks Kalogi, South Kordofan. At least 116 people killed, including 46 children at a pre-school. One of the deadliest single attacks on civilians.
Al Jazeera
Dec 8
MilitaryRSF captures Heglig oilfield in South Kordofan—a critical oil processing hub for South Sudanese crude exports. SAF forces retreat into South Sudan.
Al Jazeera
Dec 11
PoliticalSouth Sudan deploys military to secure Heglig oilfield—unprecedented regional spillover. UN warns neighbors could be drawn into wider war.
Al Jazeera
Dec 13
HumanitarianDrone strikes hit UN logistics base in Kadugli, killing six Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with UNISFA and injuring nine. UN Security Council condemns attack as "heinous and deliberate."
UN News
Dec 17
HumanitarianDrone attacks kill over 100 civilians across Kordofan region since early December. RSF and SPLM-N shell residential areas of Dilling.
Al Jazeera
Dec 18
HumanitarianDrone strike destroys key power plant in eastern Sudan. Khartoum and Port Sudan plunged into darkness.
Al Jazeera
Dec 19
HumanitarianRSF artillery strikes kill 16 civilians in Kordofan. Kadugli and Dilling under siege. Famine confirmed in Kadugli.
Al Jazeera
Dec 20
PoliticalUN warns Sudan war entering "deadlier phase." UK sanctions four senior RSF commanders including deputy leader. US and UK commit to cut external backing for belligerents.
UN News
Dec 22
PoliticalUN DPPA warns Security Council: indiscriminate drone strikes and unrestricted arms flows are fueling the conflict. Calls for sanctions on foreign suppliers.
ReliefWeb
Dec 23
MilitaryUN warns Sudan war entering "deadlier phase" as fighting intensifies in Kordofan. Drone strikes mount civilian casualties. Conflict approaches 1,000-day mark.
UN News
Dec 23
HumanitarianOCHA briefs Security Council: "As this catastrophic war nears the 1,000-day mark, its devastating toll on civilians continues to expand and intensify."
ReliefWeb
Dec 23
HumanitarianAl-Dabba IDP camp in Northern State grows from 2,000 to over 10,000 in two weeks as civilians flee el-Fasher. Dr. Nabiha Islam documents: 15-year-old Fatima—21 days fleeing, pregnant from rape. Khadija—lost two children on the journey, arrived 36 weeks pregnant.
Al Jazeera
Dec 23
HumanitarianNearly 1,700 displaced people—mostly children and women—escape Heglig after RSF seized strategic oilfield. "We have nothing," say civilians.
Al Jazeera
Dec 23
PoliticalPM Kamil Idris presents peace plan to UN Security Council: ceasefire monitored by UN/AU/Arab League, RSF withdrawal and disarmament, eventual elections. Fighting continues.
Al Jazeera
Dec 23
PoliticalUN Security Council briefing: war entering "deadlier phase" as conflict approaches 1,000-day mark. UN warns of regional spillover. US urges both SAF and RSF to accept humanitarian truce "without preconditions." Gen. Al-Burhan rejects, demands RSF surrender.
UN News
Dec 23
HumanitarianHumanitarian organizations evacuate all workers from Kadugli due to deteriorating security. Follows UN relocation of logistics hub from the city.
Al Jazeera
Dec 23
HumanitarianUN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warns against atrocities in Kordofan region. Famine confirmed in Kadugli, risk of famine in Dilling. ~1,700 displaced (mostly children/women) flee Heglig area to camps.
OHCHR
Dec 23
HumanitarianOCHA's 10th Security Council briefing this year: 16.8 million people received humanitarian support since January. WHO documents 65 attacks on healthcare in 2025 with 1,600+ killed. WFP truck struck in North Kordofan Dec 5 (6th attack on WFP this year). Drones now extending conflict beyond Darfur/Kordofan—power stations hit in Atbara, River Nile State.
OCHA
Dec 21
HumanitarianDrone strike hits Al-Harra market in Malha, North Darfur—10 civilians killed. RSF controls the town.
The Defense Post
Dec 22
HumanitarianSevere measles outbreak spreads across Darfur amid ongoing violence. WHO reports healthcare system near collapse.
Al Jazeera
Dec 22
PoliticalSudanese civil bloc declares Nairobi roadmap outcome—but actual political breakthrough remains uncertain amid continued fighting.
Al Jazeera

January (Upcoming)

Jan 3
Humanitarian1,000-day mark. [This date approaches.]
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