The primary actors involved in this humanitarian crisis include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which are leading the appeal for emergency funding. On the ground, the conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), whose ongoing military operations have caused the displacement of millions. Humanitarian aid workers, including local and international NGOs, are struggling to operate under extreme insecurity. The UN Special Envoy for Sudan is attempting to facilitate diplomatic efforts to mitigate the impact of the war on civilians.

The crisis centers on a severe shortage of emergency shelter for 15.4 million displaced people in Sudan. With only 47 percent of the required $2.9 billion in funding secured, aid agencies have reported that their warehouses are empty. The situation is compounded by the systematic use of drone strikes against civilian infrastructure, including power substations and water facilities, which has crippled the delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid. The lack of shelter leaves millions vulnerable to harsh winter conditions, violence, and exploitation.

The crisis is concentrated across Sudan, with significant displacement occurring in areas such as Darfur, White Nile State, and South Kordofan. The destruction of infrastructure, such as the Merowe Dam and various power substations, has had a nationwide impact, though the effects are most acute in conflict-affected regions where aid access is severely restricted.

The conflict has been ongoing for more than three and a half years, with a significant escalation in drone attacks reported in early November 2026. The current funding appeal is part of the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan. The situation is expected to deteriorate further as winter approaches, with aid agencies warning that the next few months are critical for preventing a large-scale famine and exposure crisis.

The humanitarian catastrophe is a direct result of the protracted war between the SAF and RSF. The destruction of infrastructure is described by UN officials as a systematic effort to disrupt essential services, which hampers the ability of aid organizations to function. The funding shortfall is attributed to a lack of international donor engagement, leading to a situation where aid agencies can currently only reach 10 percent of those in urgent need.

Aid agencies are attempting to provide shelter through the distribution of tents and the establishment of makeshift camps. However, these efforts are failing due to the depletion of physical stocks and the inability to transport supplies through conflict zones. The UN is utilizing diplomatic channels to advocate for humanitarian access, while simultaneously warning that the failure to provide aid in Sudan will have significant spillover effects on neighboring countries. The use of drone technology by warring parties has introduced a new layer of complexity, as it allows for the targeting of infrastructure from a distance, making it difficult for aid convoys to move safely.