Civilian deaths in Sudan more than doubled in 2025, warns UN
The UN has reported that civilian deaths in Sudan due to ongoing conflict have more than doubled in 2025, with around 11,300 fatalities.
The United Nations has raised concerns regarding the escalating conflict in Sudan, revealing that civilian casualties have surged significantly, surpassing 11,300 deaths in 2025. This alarming increase is occurring amidst nearly three years of devastating warfare in the region. The UN's estimate is considered one of the more conservative figures, as other sources, including the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), suggest that the total civilian death toll could be nearing 40,000. The discrepancies in reporting underscore the challenges in obtaining accurate information due to political and logistical barriers in the conflict-affected areas.
International mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have reportedly stalled, a sentiment echoed by American envoy Massad Boulos last week. The continued failure of diplomatic negotiations casts a shadow over the potential resolution of this crisis, as the violence between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces intensifies. Clashes have escalated in 2025, marked by the increased use of long-range drones and bombings that have directly impacted civilian infrastructure like schools and hospitals.
As the humanitarian situation worsens, the international community faces pressing challenges in addressing both the immediate needs of displaced populations and the broader implications of a protracted conflict. The risk of further escalation and the plight of civilians remain critical concerns, pressing for renewed efforts in mediation and relief initiatives as the situation continues to deteriorate in Sudan.