Darfur

Darfur is a region in western Sudan. It consists of five states: North Darfur, South Darfur, West Darfur, Central Darfur, and East Darfur. The area lies in the Sahelian belt and features arid and semi-arid landscapes, with the Jebel Marra highlands forming a prominent geographic feature. Major ethnic groups include the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa, with other communities living in towns and camps.

Historically, Darfur's tensions reflect competition over land and water between pastoralist and farming communities, and political marginalization. In 2003, two rebel movements—the Sudan Liberation Army/Movement (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM)—began an armed uprising against the government, alleging repression and discrimination. The government, allied with Arab militia forces known as the Janjaweed, conducted a campaign across the countryside that led to mass killings, village destruction, and widespread displacement. Estimates of deaths and displaced people vary, but hundreds of thousands were killed and millions were forced to flee during the crisis. The events triggered debate among international observers, with some describing the violence as genocide or ethnic cleansing, while others disputed that label.

An international response established a joint United Nations and African Union peacekeeping mission, UNAMID, in 2007 to protect civilians and assist humanitarian access. The mission operated for more than a decade, coordinating with aid organizations and Sudanese authorities. Despite efforts, civilian insecurity, attacks on aid workers, and displacement continued. Humanitarian agencies have maintained operations in camps and host communities, while refugees sought safety in neighboring countries.

Since the 2019 political transition in Sudan, peace negotiations have addressed Darfur's security and development needs. Ongoing instability, intercommunal violence, and the region's underdevelopment have kept humanitarian needs high, with aid and development programs aimed at protection, shelter, food, health, and livelihoods continuing under challenging conditions.