UN warns Sudan war leaves over 8 million children out of school

The conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 has pushed the country’s education system to the brink, leaving more than 8 million children out of school, according to a recent United Nations assessment. The fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has damaged or closed nearly three‑quarters of the nation’s schools, disrupting regular instruction and forcing many institutions to operate in makeshift or unsafe locations. Displacement of families, loss of teaching staff, and the destruction of school infrastructure have compounded the crisis, with humanitarian agencies reporting that many children now face prolonged interruptions to their learning and heightened vulnerability to exploitation.

International relief organizations and Sudanese authorities have called for an immediate cease‑fire and the establishment of protected “learning corridors” to enable the safe return of students and teachers to classrooms. Efforts are underway to provide temporary learning spaces, distribute educational materials, and restore damaged facilities, but funding shortfalls and ongoing insecurity hinder progress. The United Nations has warned that without swift and coordinated action, the educational setbacks could have long‑term repercussions for Sudan’s socioeconomic development and the well‑being of an entire generation.