EU Expands Humanitarian Operations Amid Ongoing Conflict in Sudan.

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The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is now considered one of the most concerning active global issues. As the situation has deteriorated in recent months, international institutions such as the European Union (EU) have become increasingly involved in seeking solutions to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. Recently, the European Commission has invested in flights aimed at providing life-saving assistance to the western region of Darfur. 

In December 2025, the EU announced the deployment of Humanitarian Aid Bridge flights to Sudan’s Darfur region. The operation involves the delivery of €3.5 million worth of essential supplies provided by the EU and other partner organizations. More specifically, the European Commission explained that the flights will transport life-saving items including water, shelter items, and sanitation and hygiene products. The first flight left on Friday, 12 December 2025, delivering approximately 100 tons of aid. According to official sources, additional flights are scheduled to take place throughout the month of January 2026.

In recent years, the EU has been actively engaged in humanitarian operations in Darfur and Sudan more broadly. For instance, in 2025, the international organization allocated €160 million to assist the most vulnerable populations in Sudan and its neighboring states. In addition, the EU contributes to the healthcare and nutrition of children under five as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls across the African country. Since 2024, the European Commission has also organized high-level events and panels to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis and promote compliance with international law.

Sudan has been affected by a deadly conflict for more than two years. In April 2023, clashes erupted between the military and the para-military Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over power disputes. Shortly thereafter, investigations by international authorities began reporting human rights violations across several regions of the country, including Darfur. Witnesses testified that “the RSF were killing people as if they were flies. It was a massacre. None of the people killed that I have seen were armed soldiers.” 

More recently, the RSF took control of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, following an 18-month occupation. According to official sources, the para-military group deprived the local population of food supplies, healthcare, and other basic necessities, forcing more than 100 thousands Sudanese to flee the area. In addition, reports indicate mass murders, kidnappings, and widespread acts of sexual violence, which further exacerbated the already precarious situation.

The EU recently released data highlighting the extent of the humanitarian crisis. Approximately 30 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 16 million children. Additionally, as of April 2025, there had been 3.5 million cross-border movements and over 8.85 million new internal displacements since the start of the conflict. Sudan is now believed to have the highest number of internally displaced people worldwide, with at least 11.5 million people affected. 

The European Union has firmly condemned the actions perpetrated by the RSF, denouncing widespread human rights violations. “The EU stresses the need to ensure immediate, unconditional, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in full compliance with international humanitarian law” stated the High Representative. Other international actors have also urged the parties to negotiate a solution. “This persistent, widespread violence against civilians constitutes war crimes and may also constitute other crimes under international law,” said Amnesty International chief Agnes Callamard. The international community has reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate in supporting Sudan and ensuring the protection of civilians.

written by Ludovica Muncibì