Sudan civilian deaths rise as humanitarian crisis deepens amid conflict

On 23 July 2026, Sudan's conflict escalated with two major attacks on civilians. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of using chemical weapons in an air strike on Umm Garfa, North Kordofan, killing ten civilians and injuring eighteen, and targeting civilian areas and water sources. In a separate incident, a drone strike hit the Bir Andour water hub in the Tina locality of North Darfur, killing at least 21 civilians and wounding roughly 30; the RSF was blamed for the attack.

The humanitarian situation is worsening. Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Oil reported that suspended electricity imports from Ethiopia have produced prolonged blackouts lasting up to 18 hours per day. The World Food Programme warned that 400,000 people displaced in North Kordofan face acute food insecurity, while Darfur displacement camps are collapsing due to shortages of food, safe water, and healthcare. New military activity has also been observed near Asosa in Ethiopia’s Benishangul‑Gumuz region after SAF recaptured the border town of Kurmuk earlier in the month.