Draft:Murnei

Murnei experiences a hot semi-arid climate.^[1] The broader region of Sudan is widely regarded as highly vulnerable to climate variability and climate change, with increasing drought frequency and significant fluctuations in rainfall affecting rural livelihoods. In areas such as Darfur, where rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism are the primary economic activities, these climatic changes have placed additional pressure on land and water resources. Declining rainfall, growing water demand, and land-use changes have contributed to desertification and the depletion of natural water sources across parts of Darfur over recent decades.^[5]

Sudan’s climate generally ranges from desert and semi-desert conditions in the north to arid savannah environments in western and southern regions. Temperatures across the country are typically high throughout the year, with average annual temperatures ranging from about 26 °C to 32 °C. The hottest conditions occur during the dry season when temperatures can exceed 43 °C in some northern areas. The rainy season usually lasts from May to October, although rainfall varies widely across the country. Precipitation ranges from less than 50 mm annually in the far north to more than 1,500 mm in the far south, with western Sudan receiving moderate seasonal rainfall compared to the arid northern regions.^[5][6][7]

The town first took in refugees from Chad in 1984 some of whom are residents now.^[8] It gained wider recognition during the war in Dafur, which began in 2003.^[9] As violence spread across West Darfur, Murnei became a major center for internally displaced persons (IDPs). By 2004, camps around the town were estimated to host approximately 80,000 people who had fled attacks by militia groups commonly referred to as the Janjaweed.^[8] Humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, operated in the area to provide medical care and emergency assistance amid ongoing insecurity, outbreaks of disease, and shortages of food and water.

Renewed violence affected the town in the context of the broader Sudanese civil war (2023–present). In June 2023, militia assaults linked to the Rapid Support Forces resulted in the killing of civilians attempting to flee, widespread looting, and the burning of large parts of the town. Satellite imagery and field reports documented extensive destruction, with many residential areas severely damaged or destroyed.^[10]

By 2026, Murnei remained affected by the ongoing conflict in western Sudan. Control of much of West Darfur, including Krink locality, had shifted to the Rapid Support Forces following major developments in the regional conflict. Reports indicated that thousands of residents had been displaced and that significant portions of the town remained uninhabitable.^[11] The wider Darfur region continued to face severe humanitarian challenges, including food insecurity, limited humanitarian access, and widespread displacement.^[12]