Weekly Conflict Digest: Global Hotspots and Humanitarian Strains

Intensification of Hostilities in Sudan’s Civil War

The humanitarian situation in Sudan worsened this week as violent clashes escalated between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), primarily in the Darfur and Kordofan regions. Civilian displacement surged, with local agencies estimating that tens of thousands recently fled their homes amid shelling and street battles. Humanitarian corridors remain tenuous, and aid groups warn the risk of famine has risen, particularly in besieged communities. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, neither side indicated readiness for sustained negotiations.

Renewed Fighting in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

Tensions flared again in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, as the M23 rebel group reportedly advanced toward Goma, the provincial capital. The Congolese military’s latest attempt to repel rebel forces resulted in heavy casualties, both militant and civilian. Residents in affected towns described an environment of fear, with looting and attacks forcing further displacement. Regional powers, including neighboring Rwanda, continue to be accused of exacerbating instability, though formal mediation efforts yielded limited progress this week.

Yemen’s Fragile Peace Overshadowed by Skirmishes

While the overall intensity of conflict in Yemen has diminished relative to previous years, this week saw renewed fighting between the Houthi movement and forces aligned with the internationally recognized government, especially in Marib and Taiz. Drone strikes and artillery exchanges disrupted fragile local ceasefires. Humanitarian organizations reported increased barriers to delivering food and medical supplies, underscoring the need for renewed diplomatic engagement as Ramadan approaches.

Syria: Localized Violence Amidst Stalemate

Northern Syria experienced pockets of intense violence, particularly in Idlib province where government artillery targeted rebel-held towns. Civilian casualties were reported, along with further displacement toward the Turkish border. Separately, tensions emerged between Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State (IS) cells in the Deir ez-Zor region, leading to several counter-terror operations. The international community remains divided on broader conflict resolution, but cross-border aid deliveries remain a critical lifeline.

Overlooked Stalemates and Surges

Beyond widely reported hotspots, several lesser-known conflicts persisted. In Myanmar, fighting between the military junta and anti-coup insurgents intensified in Sagaing and Chin states, with reports of widespread airstrikes and village burnings. In Cameroon’s Anglophone northwest, sporadic clashes between separatists and government forces left dozens dead, and local civil society leaders voiced concerns about “conflict fatigue” amid waning international attention. In the Sahel, Mali experienced further jihadi attacks on army outposts, while violence in Burkina Faso’s Sahel region targeted both security forces and local communities.

Outlook: Humanitarian Strains and Calls for Peace

Across all these conflict zones, a common theme emerged: the impact on civilians remains grave. Waves of displacement, food insecurity, and strained infrastructure compound the humanitarian fallouts of war. While some diplomatic channels remain open in select arenas, the past week underscored that lasting solutions remain elusive. Observers stress the urgency of global engagement in both major and underreported conflicts, lest silent suffering proliferate away from the public eye.