24 Months Operation Update - Sudan Crisis: Regional Population Movement, Emergency Appeal No. MDRS1001

A. SITUATION ANALYSIS

Description of the crisis

Since the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan on 15 April 2023, Africa Region faced a large-scale humanitarian crisis marked by one of the most significant displacement movements in recent years. Millions of people fled the violence, crossing into Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Uganda. The mass displacement led to severe humanitarian consequences and placed severe strain on local populations, infrastructure, and access to basic services in border and reception areas.

In Chad, approximately 1.2 million Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees (IOM1) arrived from Sudan, across the border by the violence, through one of the 35 entry points along the 1,360 km border with Sudan. Out of these, 838,436 were registered by the UNHCR & Government2. Nearly 820,000 were new since April 15, 2023 (according to UNHCR Data).

The refugees spread across four provinces in Eastern Chad, namely Ennedi East, Ouaddaï, Sila and Wadi Fira. The situation was recently aggravated by the Cholera Outbreak, with in the Dougui Refugee Camp in Ouaddaï Province where 120 cases were reported including 4 deaths.

Egypt received over 1.5 million people fleeing the Sudan Conflict making it the largest host country (hosting 35% of the total refugees from Sudan) where the refugees sought protection (UNHCR and Government).

Among the displaced were many women, particularly pregnant women, children, older persons, and individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. The refugee population also included separated and unaccompanied minors. Despite the massive inflow, many refugees reported positive relationships and peaceful coexistence with the host population.

Ethiopia received 177,124 people fleeing the Sudan Conflict since April 2023 (IOM), through the Metema (West Gondar) and Kumruk (Benishangul Gumuz) border points out whom 76,085 were registered (UNHCR & Government).

Of the total arrivals, 59% were Sudanese refugees, 14% were refugees of other nationalities, and 27% were Ethiopian returnees. In the Ahmara Region, the initial reception sites at Kumer and Awlala were later evacuated to a new site at Aftit Kebele due to insecurity and attacks. In Benishangul Gumuz, refugee arrivals were redirected to Ura Camp, while returnees settled among host communities or within internal displacement sites. While the refugee reception through Metema was active, with government and partners supporting the process of new registrations, the one in Kurmuk was paused for a few months due to funding cuts but recently resumed operations. The continuous arrivals overwhelmed local capacity and infrastructure.

Libya received approximately 142,809 people fleeing the Sudan Conflict (IOM), out of whom 357,000 were registered (UNHCR & Government).

Many of those displaced faced acute humanitarian needs, particularly health care, food, and protection, with women, children and individuals with specific vulnerabilities most affected. Entry was concentrated through Alkufra and other southern border points, where limited mobility, insecurity, and strained host communities heightened pressure on already scarce services. Despite the provision of emergency assistance, gaps in resources and access constraints hindered adequate response to the scale of displacement.

South Sudan received over 1.2 million, including both Sudanese refugees and South Sudanese returnees (UNHCR & Government). The influx primarily affected border regions such as Upper Nile and Unity states, as well as the Abyei Area. It placed immense pressure on an already fragile infrastructure and overstretched basic services. Transit centers like Renk were overwhelmed, with limited access to clean water, shelter, healthcare, and sanitation. The strain disrupted local economies, increased protection risks, and heightened tensions in host communities. Humanitarian agencies struggled to meet growing needs amid funding shortfalls and logistical challenges, accelerating vulnerabilities among displaced populations and host communities.

Uganda received approximately 86,910 Sudanese refugees who settled at the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement (UNHCR & Government). Most of the new arrivals were women, children, and the elderly.

The persistent flow of refugees overwhelmed existing infrastructure and led to deteriorating conditions in health, shelter, water supply, and sanitation. The risk of disease outbreaks increased due to overcrowding and inadequate facilities.

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