Sudan is witnessing a sharp rise in cholera infections, with over 2,300 cases recorded in the past three weeks—90% of them in the capital Khartoum and its surrounding areas—amid ongoing conflict and infrastructure breakdown.
According to Sudan’s Ministry of Health, at least 51 people have died from the outbreak, which has been concentrated in Karari and Jabal Awlia localities in greater Khartoum. Authorities say the spread of the disease has been accelerated by drone attacks that have knocked out electricity and water infrastructure.
The nearly two-year conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated the country’s healthcare system, destroyed hospitals, and worsened access to clean water and sanitation—conditions ripe for waterborne diseases like cholera to thrive.
Drone strikes targeting power stations, fuel depots, and dams have led to extended power outages and disrupted water supply, also increasing the risk of dengue fever, malaria, and other communicable diseases, according to a UN report released Thursday.
“Public services, already under enormous strain, struggled to cope with the compounded challenges brought by prolonged power loss,” the UN said.
The Sudanese military, which this week claimed full control of Khartoum state, has accused the RSF of orchestrating the attacks on civilian infrastructure. The RSF has yet to respond to the allegations.
Meanwhile, heavy ground fighting continues in the western Kordofan and Darfur regions, where the army is attempting to dislodge RSF forces. The conflict erupted in April 2023 amid a power struggle over the integration of both forces during Sudan’s halted transition to civilian rule.