Darfur: Health care needs exceed resources as Security Council expands sanctions against Sudan

The agency’s top official in Sudan, Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, visited hospitals, health centers and laboratories in every Darfur state except East Darfur during a 10-day mission in September.

“I have witnessed the magnitude of the health and humanitarian needs in Tawila and other areas of Darfur,” he said, praising health workers who continue to serve the public despite insecurity and shortages of funds and supplies.

Hunger and lack of medicines

Malnutrition was a major concern at the facilities he visited, and WHO predicts these conditions will get worse as poor rainfall, crop failures, and a severe El Niño will exacerbate food insecurity.

Mental health services are extremely limited, while supplies of medicines for HIV, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases are running low.

Darfur hosts 65 percent of Sudan’s 8.6 million refugees, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Meanwhile, a Humanitarian appeals require increased funding to match needs. The WHO says it is ready to expand aid in Darfur, Kordofan and other conflict-affected regions, but only 23 percent of its total humanitarian assistance of $97.7 million in 2026 has been funded. The report also emphasizes the need for safe, sustainable and unimpeded access.

Rolling sanctions

On Thursday, Security Council unanimously renews Sudan’s sanctions regime for two months until December 11. This regime consists of targeted sanctions and an arms embargo. The mandate of the expert panel monitoring them is now valid until January 11, 2027.

The text, drafted by the United States, is what diplomats call a “technical transition” – a brief update that does not change the mandate. This follows a one-month rollover adopted on September 11.

From Darfur to the whole country

The regime has its roots in the 2004 Darfur conflict, when the council attempted to stem the flow of arms to the region.

Washington wants to expand the embargo across Sudan and all parties involved in the current war as well as to address drones and dual-use technology, according to news reports.

On Thursday, the effort failed to reach consensus, with about half of council members reportedly favoring a one-year extension limited to Darfur.

War and diplomacy

Meanwhile, the war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to exact heavy casualties on civilians and aid operations.

On October 3, air strikes on two trucks contracted to the World Food Program (WFP) in South Kordofan killed a driver.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled on a US-backed 90-day ceasefire proposal rejected by the military, according to news reports.

Independent Human Rights CouncilDesignated investigators have warned that outside support would maintain both sides’ military capabilities.