Press Release
April 15, 2026 • 2 min read
Three years into the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, Sudan is facing one of the world’s largest and most severe humanitarian crises, with conditions continuing to deteriorate across the country.
Today, 33.7 million people require humanitarian assistance, while nearly 12 million people have been forcibly displaced by the conflict. Of these, over 7 million people are internally displaced, and 4.5 million have fled to neighbouring countries, placing enormous strain on regional resources.
Despite escalating violence and personal loss, local humanitarian workers continue to deliver life-saving support.
John Rynne, Regional Director of Africa at GOAL, said: “GOAL works in areas of Sudan that have witnessed some of the fiercest fighting. Offices have been attacked and looted, and staff have been displaced. However, GOAL’s staff, all of whom are Sudanese, have never stopped supporting their local communities despite losing family members or having their homes destroyed.
This commitment reflects their extreme professionalism, coupled with a deep sense of solidarity and moral responsibility to help their neighbours, even as the war has taken a devastating toll on their own lives.”
The Irish humanitarian organisation warned that external global pressures are now compounding an already critical situation in Sudan. John Rynne explains:
“The widening conflict in the Middle East is increasing global fuel and fertiliser costs, as well as disrupting shipping routes. This is likely to increase the cost of transporting food, weaken agricultural production, and cause delays or reduce the delivery of essential supplies.
What is needed is an adjustment of humanitarian funding to reflect these challenges, ensuring that programmes in Sudan can be maintained and delivered in a timely manner.”
Irish Presidency Can Drive EU Action
“Ireland’s commitment to the people of Sudan remains strong. Nevertheless, how we adapt to the external environment in which we face today will be key to delivering on our commitment.
During its EU presidency, Ireland has a key opportunity to keep Sudan firmly on the agenda by supporting coordinated EU positions on humanitarian access and civilian protection,” John Rynne concludes.
