Total number of fatalities from the civil war outbreak in Sudan in 2023, by region

Sudan's ongoing civil war has resulted in a devastating toll across various states, with the West Darfur state experiencing the highest number of fatalities at 3,700 in 2023. The conflict, which began on April 15 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has since escalated into a civil war, causing widespread destruction and displacement throughout the country. 

Widespread impact and regional consequences

Since 2013, annual fatalities due to conflict in Sudan have drastically increased in 2023 to 2024. The conflict's impact extended beyond Sudan's borders, forcing over 3.3 million people to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Egypt has become the primary host, sheltering more than 1.2 million Sudanese refugees, while Chad has taken in around 930,000.  

Escalating violence in the region

The situation in Sudan has contributed to its ranking as the African country with the highest level of ongoing conflicts. This assessment considers factors such as conflict deadliness, danger to civilians, geographic diffusion, and armed group fragmentation. The violence in Sudan is part of a broader pattern of instability in the region, as Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger grapple with the threat of Boko Haram. Nigeria is the country most affected by the terrorist group's attacks, which has resulted in thousands of deaths in the country. Additionally, these violent attacks have displaced communities and disrupted social structures, as evidenced by the notorious 2014 kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls in Borno, an incident that garnered global attention.