War in Sudan: seven in ten people now living in poverty

Tuesday 14 April 2026 - 07:00

Three years into the devastating conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate at an alarming pace. According to recent estimates by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), nearly seven out of ten Sudanese citizens are now living in poverty—almost double the pre-war level.

Before the outbreak of fighting in April 2023, around 38% of the population lived below the poverty line. Today, that figure is estimated at approximately 70%, based on a daily income threshold of four dollars. Even more concerning, about a quarter of the population survives on less than two dollars per day, highlighting the deepening economic collapse.

The conflict, which pits the national army against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has triggered widespread destruction, leaving tens of thousands dead and forcing over 11 million people to flee their homes. Entire regions have been pushed to the brink of famine, with food shortages becoming increasingly severe.

Conditions are particularly dire in areas such as South Kordofan and North Darfur, where intense fighting continues to disrupt daily life. These regions have become key battlegrounds, exacerbating already fragile living conditions and limiting access to essential services.

A joint report by the UNDP and the Institute for Security Studies reveals that nearly seven million people fell into extreme poverty in 2023 alone. Average incomes have plummeted to levels not seen since 1992, while extreme poverty rates now exceed those recorded in the 1980s.

Beyond the statistics lies a profound human tragedy. Families are being torn apart, children are dropping out of school, and livelihoods are vanishing. According to the United Nations, more than 21 million people are facing acute food insecurity, and two-thirds of the population urgently require humanitarian assistance.

As the conflict intensifies in central and southeastern regions, including the Blue Nile state, international efforts are being renewed. A donor conference in Berlin aims to revive diplomatic talks and mobilize aid to address what is widely considered one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises today.