Sudan Crisis Deepens as Thousands Trapped With ‘No Safe Options’ Amid RSF Advance

Published: 29 July 2026 | The English Chronicle Desk | The English Chronicle Online

Thousands of civilians trapped in a key Sudanese city say they have nowhere safe to go as fighters from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continue advancing, deepening fears of further violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Residents and aid organisations have described a desperate situation, with families sheltering in homes, schools and temporary camps while facing shortages of food, medicine and basic supplies. Many civilians say they are caught between front lines, with escape routes becoming increasingly dangerous as fighting spreads.

The crisis comes as Sudan’s devastating civil war continues to cause widespread displacement, destruction and suffering more than two years after conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF.

The city at the centre of the crisis has become a strategic battleground because of its military and political importance.

As RSF fighters push forward, residents say uncertainty and fear have increased. Many families want to leave but face major obstacles, including dangerous roads, high transport costs and the risk of being caught in clashes.

Some residents say they have attempted to flee but were forced to return because routes out of the city were too unsafe.

Others say they cannot afford transportation or do not know where they would find shelter if they managed to escape.

Humanitarian groups warn that civilians are facing an impossible choice: remain in areas threatened by fighting or attempt a dangerous journey into an uncertain future.

Aid organisations say conditions for civilians have deteriorated rapidly.

Many families have limited access to clean water, electricity and healthcare. Hospitals and medical facilities in conflict zones have struggled to operate because of shortages of supplies, damage to infrastructure and insecurity affecting healthcare workers.

Children, older people and those with existing medical conditions are among the most vulnerable.

Relief agencies have repeatedly called for safe humanitarian access so that food, medicine and emergency assistance can reach communities affected by the fighting.

However, ongoing clashes and security concerns have made aid deliveries extremely difficult.

The RSF, a powerful paramilitary organisation that emerged from Sudan’s former Janjaweed militias, has been fighting the Sudanese military since April 2023.

The conflict began after disagreements between the two sides over the future structure of Sudan’s security forces during a planned transition to civilian rule.

Since then, fighting has spread across several parts of the country, creating one of the world’s largest displacement crises.

The RSF has gained control over significant areas of Sudan, while the military continues to hold key positions, including important government institutions and strategic locations.

Both sides have been accused of serious violations during the conflict, including attacks affecting civilians.

Residents in areas threatened by RSF advances say they fear a repeat of violence seen elsewhere during the war.

Human rights organisations have documented allegations of killings, sexual violence, forced displacement and attacks on civilian infrastructure during fighting in Sudan.

The RSF has denied accusations of widespread abuses and has said it is committed to protecting civilians.

The Sudanese military has also faced accusations of violations during the conflict.

International observers have warned that continued fighting increases the risk of further atrocities and deepens the humanitarian emergency.

Sudan’s war has forced millions of people from their homes, creating one of the largest displacement crises in the world.

Many displaced families have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, including Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Others remain internally displaced, moving between cities and rural areas in search of safety.

However, humanitarian organisations say there are fewer and fewer safe areas available as fighting expands.

Many displaced people are living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to essential services.

For civilians caught in the conflict, daily life has become a struggle for survival.

Parents worry about finding enough food for their children, while many families have been separated during attempts to flee violence.

Schools in conflict areas have been closed or converted into shelters, disrupting education for millions of children.

Healthcare systems have been severely affected, leaving many people without access to treatment for injuries or chronic illnesses.

Residents say the psychological impact of living through constant violence is also severe, particularly for children who have experienced repeated displacement and fear.

The international community has urged Sudan’s warring parties to agree to ceasefires and allow humanitarian assistance to reach civilians.

The United Nations and humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that the conflict could create even greater suffering if fighting continues.

Diplomatic efforts have taken place through regional and international channels, but attempts to secure a lasting peace agreement have repeatedly failed.

Both military and RSF leaders have publicly expressed willingness to negotiate at different points, but disagreements over political control and security arrangements have prevented a breakthrough.

The war has also devastated Sudan’s economy.

Businesses have closed, infrastructure has been destroyed and millions of people have lost sources of income.

Food prices have risen sharply in many areas, making basic necessities unaffordable for many families.

Agricultural production has also been disrupted, increasing concerns about hunger and food shortages.

Aid agencies warn that economic collapse could worsen the humanitarian situation even if fighting decreases.

For thousands sheltering in the city, the future remains unclear.

Many residents say they are exhausted after months of fear and uncertainty but have few options available.

Leaving could expose them to danger, while staying could mean facing advancing forces and continued fighting.

Families continue searching for information about safe routes, available assistance and possible evacuation opportunities.

Humanitarian workers say the priority must be protecting civilians and ensuring that people are not forgotten amid the wider political struggle.

The war between the RSF and Sudanese military has transformed what was once a political dispute into a nationwide humanitarian disaster.

With no immediate end to fighting, civilians remain the greatest victims of the conflict.

The situation in the besieged city reflects the broader reality facing millions across Sudan: a population caught between armed groups, political uncertainty and a desperate need for peace.

As RSF forces continue their advance and battles continue elsewhere, residents say their greatest hope is simple—to survive and find a safe place where they and their families can live without fear.

Checkout Our Latest News On>>