Sudan and South Sudan Conflicts Intensify as EU Imposes Sanctions and Germany Faces Migration Fallout

BERLIN, 30 January 2026 – Violence across Sudan and South Sudan has escalated dramatically this week, with drone attacks killing dozens and fresh fighting displacing hundreds of thousands. The European Union moved to sanction individuals involved, as Germany reported over 7,600 registered asylum seekers missing within its borders, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the dual crises.

Sudan: Drone Strikes and a Stalled War

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) entered its 34th month with renewed ferocity. Yesterday, a reported RSF drone attack in South Kordofan state killed dozens of civilians. Army General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the SAF, has publicly rejected any political settlement, stating there can be “no peace until the RSF is eliminated.” The fighting has also spread, with a clash on 25 January involving the SAF, RSF, and the SPLM-N Hilu faction now placing Blue Nile state at the centre of the conflict.

South Sudan: A Looming Humanitarian Catastrophe

In neighbouring South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation faces a severe escalation. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement today expressing deep concern and calling for an immediate end to fighting. The government reports that 250,000 civilians have been displaced already in 2026. In Jonglei state, the government is blocking humanitarian access to opposition-held areas, threatening healthcare for 400,000 people. The UN World Food Programme warns that nearly two million people in Jonglei risk being forced to flee.

The Human Cost: World’s Largest Displacement Crisis

The combined conflicts have created unprecedented humanitarian suffering. UNICEF confirmed this week that Sudan is now the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with an estimated 9.5 million people forced from their homes. In total, Sudan hosts 14 million displaced people. Despite the ruins, the International Organization for Migration notes a fragile trend of return, with over three million people having gone back to their areas of origin. In South Sudan, 10 million people—two-thirds of the population—need urgent aid as the risk of famine grows.

International Response: EU Sanctions and UN Appeals

In response to the “dramatic escalation of violence,” the European Council yesterday sanctioned seven individuals for serious human rights violations and for threatening Sudan’s peace and security. The UN and humanitarian agencies continue to plead for safe access and increased funding, warning that essential services have collapsed, leaving children in Darfur and elsewhere “living on a thin line between abandonment and hope.”

Germany and the EU: Migration Pressures Mount

The crises have direct implications for Europe. German authorities reported this week that at least 7,624 registered asylum seekers in the country are officially considered missing, with many believed to have absconded deliberately. As the EU eyes tougher migration controls and deportations, the situation in Sudan and South Sudan presents a critical challenge. Analysts note that European policies, including Germany’s, have historically prioritised migration control, a stance now being tested by the scale of the current displacement.

Key Facts and Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is fighting in Sudan?

The civil war is primarily between the national Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), loyal to General al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Other factions, like the SPLM-N in Blue Nile state, are also involved.

What is the difference between Sudan and South Sudan?

South Sudan became an independent country from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war. They are now two separate nations, both experiencing severe, concurrent conflicts.

Why is the EU sanctioning individuals?

The EU Council imposed sanctions on seven people for serious human rights violations and for actions that threaten the peace, stability, and security of Sudan, citing a “dramatic escalation” of violence.

What does the crisis mean for Germany?

Germany is a primary destination for asylum seekers from conflict zones. The ongoing wars exacerbate migration pressures, as seen in the high number of missing asylum applicants, and influence EU-wide policy debates on border control and humanitarian responsibility.