Sudanese minister says war has ‘profoundly reshaped’ nation’s demographics
Sudan's three-year civil war has caused significant demographic shifts, displacing over 11 million people and killing approximately 200,000, according to a senior Sudanese minister. The conflict has increased poverty, reduced employment, and deteriorated basic services across the country. The government plans to strengthen population policies and social protection programmes to support recovery.
Sudan's ongoing civil conflict has fundamentally altered the nation's population structure and distribution, according to statements from the country's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. The war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group, has created widespread displacement and humanitarian challenges across multiple regions.
The scale of the demographic disruption is substantial. The conflict has resulted in approximately 200,000 deaths and displaced more than 11 million people, with significant internal migration from areas including South Darfur, North Darfur, and Central Darfur. Additionally, tens of thousands have fled to neighbouring countries such as Egypt, South Sudan, and Chad seeking safety and refuge.
Before the conflict, Sudan's population trajectory showed different patterns. In 2020, the country had approximately 44.4 million residents with an expected growth rate of about 2.39 percent annually—among the world's highest. Projections had anticipated the population would exceed 64 million by 2035. The war has disrupted these demographic trends significantly.
The conflict has created multiple economic and social pressures. Widespread poverty has increased, large segments of the population have lost income sources, basic service delivery has deteriorated in numerous areas, and labour market opportunities have contracted. These conditions have particularly affected young people, who comprise roughly 70 percent of Sudan's population according to census data from 2008.
In response, Sudan's government has outlined plans to address these demographic challenges. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, working through the National Population Council and other state partners, intends to strengthen population policies and link them to social protection programmes. The strategy also includes supporting voluntary refugee returns, facilitating reintegration of displaced populations, and rebuilding human capital as a foundation for national recovery and sustainable development.
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