By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Sudan, 11 August 2026 - Sudan’s war is driving thousands of civilians from their homes while a severe funding shortage leaves humanitarian agencies struggling to keep essential services running, the United Nations has warned.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Monday that fighting in West Darfur had displaced about 18,000 people from more than 20 villages in just one week, with most crossing into neighbouring Chad in search of safety.
In North Kordofan, the situation is also deteriorating as Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters encircle El Obeid, raising fears of a wider assault and prompting civilians to move towards the city and surrounding areas.
Despite the insecurity, UN agencies and partners have continued providing assistance. About 133,000 people in El Obeid have received two million litres of drinking water amid severe shortages.
But the humanitarian response is increasingly being constrained by a lack of money.
Three health facilities in Central Darfur have been forced to close because of funding shortages, leaving about 75,000 displaced people with limited access to essential healthcare.
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OCHA said Sudan's nearly $3 billion humanitarian appeal is only about 40 per cent funded, with $1.2 billion received so far this year.
More than 30 million people across Sudan need humanitarian assistance, while more than nine million remain displaced inside the country after more than three years of war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and RSF.
OCHA has renewed its call for all parties to protect civilians and allow aid organisations to reach affected communities safely and without restrictions.
Meanwhile, UN efforts to find a diplomatic solution continue, with the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, engaging both sides and working with the African Union, IGAD and the League of Arab States to push for a cessation of hostilities and renewed negotiations.