Field data received from the five states of the Darfur region during February 2026 indicate a continued deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation, with relative variation in the level of violence among the states. However, the common denominator remains the continuation of armed attacks, the escalation of violations against civilians, and the worsening economic and service-related fragility. These developments also reflect a gradual shift in the nature of the conflict, particularly with the increasing use of drones and aerial operations in several areas, which has expanded the scope of risks faced by civilians and vital infrastructure.
On the security level, the states of the region witnessed multiple incidents including drone bombardments, armed clashes, armed looting operations, and assaults on civilians. In West Darfur, aerial strikes resulted in deaths and injuries and the destruction of parts of markets and economic infrastructure. Some border areas were affected by regional tensions, particularly after Chad closed its border crossings with Sudan following clashes between the Chadian army and the Rapid Support Forces, which further intensified security and economic pressures on border communities. Meanwhile, the states of South and East Darfur witnessed repeated cases of armed looting, random gunfire, and the outbreak of fires inside neighborhoods and displacement camps.
Regarding human rights violations, field sources of the “Human Rights Monitoring Network – Sudan” documented a number of arbitrary arrests, unlawful interrogations, and restrictions on freedom of movement, in addition to cases of physical assault and financial extortion at checkpoints. Arrests also targeted civil activists, traders, and workers in the health sector, in addition to the closure of certain economic activities such as pharmacies and commercial shops under the pretext of their association with parties to the conflict. These practices
indicate an escalation of restrictions imposed on civil liberties and a growing climate of fear and uncertainty within local communities.
Economically, the various states of the region are experiencing a clear deterioration in living conditions because of rising prices of basic commodities, shortages of cash liquidity, and the monopolization of cash by some traders in exchange for foreign currencies, in addition to disruptions in supply chains linked to border markets. Commercial activities have also been affected by armed looting and security restrictions, while citizens are facing increasing difficulties in accessing basic services, food supplies, and fuel.
In the education and social services sector, educational institutions face major challenges due to weak government support and their near-total reliance on humanitarian organizations to provide basic needs. Some families have also resorted to smuggling their children to other areas of Sudan to sit for the Sudanese certificate examinations due to restrictions on movement. Despite these challenges, several community initiatives have emerged aiming to support the most vulnerable groups, such as community kitchens, Ramadan iftar initiatives, psychosocial support programs, and projects supporting women and children.
At the community level, indicators show the continuation of manifestations of solidarity and social cohesion despite increasing pressures. However, the recurrence of security incidents, fires, and looting operations threatens the stability of local communities and increases the vulnerability of displaced persons and residents of rural areas. Disputes within some structures of traditional administration also reflect institutional tensions that may affect their traditional role in conflict management and the preservation of social cohesion.
Overall, the current developments in the states of Darfur reflect a highly complex security and humanitarian environment in which military, political, economic, and social factors intersect. With the continuation of military operations, the decline of state institutions, and the weakness of basic services, local communities remain exposed to further risks, which calls for an urgent humanitarian response and the strengthening of civilian protection mechanisms, as well as support for livelihoods and essential services in the region.