The number of people internally displaced in Sudan due to conflict could soon exceed 10 million, the United Nations migration agency said.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 9.9 million people internally displaced across Sudan this week. Prior to the war, there were already 2.8 million internally displaced people, the IOM said.

In total, about 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes, with more than two million crossing into neighbouring countries, including Egypt and Chad.

“How much suffering and loss of life must the people of Sudan endure before the world takes notice? Isn’t 10 million internally displaced enough to compel urgent global action?” Mohamed Refaat, Sudan Chief of Mission for the IOM, said.

“Every one of those 10 million displaced life represents a profound human tragedy that demands urgent attention.”

The number of people displaced by conflict inside #Sudan could top 10 million in the coming days as the world’s worst displacement crisis continues to escalate.

More international efforts are required to avoid famine.https://t.co/xlyqgzUhlM pic.twitter.com/8pDYXOhjss

— IOM – UN Migration 🇺🇳 (@UNmigration) June 6, 2024
Refaat added that more than half of the internally displaced people in Sudan were woman, and a quarter of them children under five.

He said aid agencies were struggling to keep up with the rising needs.

“Funding shortfalls are impeding efforts to provide adequate shelter, food and medical assistance,” Refaat said.

“Serious concerns are mounting about the long-term impact of displacement on Sudan’s social and economic fabric.”

UN agencies have warned that Sudan is at “imminent risk of famine”, with around 18 million people acutely hungry, including 3.6 million children who are acutely malnourished.

Fighting broke out in the capital Khartoum in April 2023 and quickly spread across the country, reigniting ethnic bloodshed in the western Darfur region and forcing millions to flee.