Civil conflict continues to devastate both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with each country facing distinct but equally grave challenges in 2025[1][7].
In Sudan, the civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rages on. Since its outbreak in April 2023, the conflict has resulted in massive displacement—over 12 million people, including nearly 4 million refugees in neighboring states—making it the world’s largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis[1][3]. Both the SAF and RSF have committed widespread human rights abuses, with reports of targeted ethnic violence, mass displacement, and child soldier recruitment. The central government is largely paralyzed, with remaining administrative functions shifted to the port city of Port Sudan, while RSF militias have attempted to consolidate control in the west, escalating offensive operations in the Kordofan and Darfur regions throughout 2025[3][5]. As international actors funnel weapons into the conflict, effective diplomatic intervention remains elusive, and humanitarian needs escalate further[1].
In the DRC, a surge in violence led by the M23 militant group has resulted in further instability in the country’s east. Backed by Rwanda, M23 escalated fighting in early 2025, capturing Goma—a key city near the Rwandan border. This offensive displaced thousands of civilians, adding to the over one million Congolese refugees abroad and contributing to an ongoing humanitarian emergency in which 21 million people are in urgent need of food, medical, and other aid[7]. After taking Goma, M23 declared a unilateral ceasefire in February 2025, but violence and political instability persist nationwide, especially following the disputed December 2023 elections[7].
Despite these dire situations, bilateral relations between Sudan and the DRC remain generally cooperative. High-level diplomatic meetings have reiterated both nations’ commitment to peace, security, and expanded economic and political cooperation, notably through bilateral commissions and ministerial exchanges in Juba[2][4].
References
- [1] Crisis in Sudan: What is happening and how to help | The IRC
- [2] Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives a Letter from the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo
- [3] Forgotten and Neglected, War-Torn Sudan H.. | migrationpolicy.org
- [4] Deputy Foreign Minister Meets Congolese Head of Mission
- [5] Russian Info Ops; Attritional Battles in Sudan: Africa File, July 17, 2025
- [7] Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker