The hunger crisis in Sudan has escalated, with famine now affecting several regions due to the ongoing conflict. United Nations officials have urged for a ceasefire and for the removal of barriers hindering humanitarian assistance, as millions face starvation and displacement.
Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized that the situation is the result of ongoing conflict and decisions made by those involved, which have disregarded the well-being of civilians. According to the latest findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), famine conditions are already present in multiple areas, including displaced persons camps in Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains. It is projected that more regions will face similar risks in the coming months.
More than 11.5 million Sudanese have been displaced internally, with over 3.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. Despite the danger, humanitarian workers continue their efforts, with some losing their lives, including three workers from the World Food Programme (WFP) who were killed last month during an airstrike in Blue Nile State.
Although progress has been made, such as a large aid convoy reaching Khartoum in December, humanitarian organizations are still facing significant challenges. Increased restrictions on aid work, including new truck inspection procedures and delays in visa approvals for personnel, are creating bottlenecks and hindering critical relief efforts.
The UN has called for the parties to the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian laws, open all humanitarian routes, and ensure immediate action for peace. The humanitarian needs for 2025 are extensive, with a record $4.2 billion required to assist nearly 21 million people within Sudan, as well as an additional $1.8 billion needed for those in neighboring countries.
Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighted the continued spread of famine in North Darfur and the Western Nuba Mountains. She stressed that the combination of ongoing violence, economic instability, and food shortages is pushing Sudanese people into deeper poverty, with agricultural losses amounting to billions of dollars.
The FAO plans to reach over 14 million people with essential supplies in 2025, but political intervention is needed to end hostilities and enable life-saving assistance to reach the affected populations.