Sudan is currently experiencing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, compounded by civil war and chronic food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed famine conditions have spread to five regions, with projections indicating it may reach five more areas by May 2025. The agency has highlighted severe hunger affecting millions, especially children.
The IPC's recent report identified famine conditions as worsening, particularly within the internally displaced persons (IDP) camps of Abu Shouk and Al-Salam, located near the war-torn capital of North Darfur, Al-Fashir. The situation remains grave at the Zamzam camp, where famine was first confirmed last August. The report details how the conflict, which has been raging since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has severely disrupted humanitarian efforts.
According to the IPC, the number of people requiring urgent food aid has ballooned to 24.6 million—around half of Sudan's total population. This stark increase from the 21.1 million projected earlier is due to several factors, including looting of food supplies by RSF militants and the Sudanese government's restrictions on humanitarian access to affected areas. These obstacles have crippled efforts to alleviate hunger and suffering.
Humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF, have echoed these concerns. They have called for immediate, unhindered access to deliver life-saving assistance across affected regions. The agencies warned of the potential for this crisis to evolve even worse, characterized as one of the most severe food emergencies in history.
“Without immediate, unhindered humanitarian access and urgent international support, famine risks spreading throughout 2025, threatening millions, particularly children,” remarked Jean-Martin Bauer of WFP. The agencies lamented the precarious condition of food security, highlighting various regions at risk, including Melit, Tawisha, El Fasher, and Um Kadadah—all located predominantly within North Darfur. Further exacerbation of this crisis could lead to suffering and potentially catastrophic outcomes for vulnerable populations.
The warring parties’ actions have contributed to this current state of distress, with reports indicating the SAF and RSF often obstruct humanitarian routes. A notable escalation occurred when the Sudanese government suspended cooperation with the IPC, claiming the global hunger monitor had compromised the country’s integrity by issuing misleading reports. Despite the distressing data showing the terrain of worsening hunger, the government alleged the famine assessments were incomplete and not reflective of conditions on the ground.
A growing number of humanitarian experts warn of the severe health repercussions due to extended malnutrition and food scarcity. Medical facilities remain inaccessible to the displaced, and disease outbreaks are rampant, unchecked by sufficient medical care. "Our reports indicate tens of thousands are living on the brink of survival, with children facing malnutrition and disease due to lack of food and healthcare," lamented Mary Lupul from Save the Children.
The gloomy predictions signal more displacement and instability for the Sudanese population. After more than 20 months of civil war, more than 12 million people have been forced from their homes. The humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate even more, with future predictions indicating 30.4 million people will need urgent assistance by 2025, according to the UN Global Humanitarian Overview.
Observing the stark reality, Anne-Marie Schryer-Roy, the International Rescue Committee’s regional advocacy coordinator for East Africa, noted, "Every day, people are dying from preventable causes. The hunger crisis is beyond comprehension—24 million people will need aid." The call for geopolitical action remains urgent, as local humanitarian efforts are increasingly targeting communities and operating under significant risks, faced with violence from both factions fighting for control.
Advocates for Sudanese humanitarian relief have made fervent appeals for international intervention to address this dire humanitarian situation. “Tragedy can be met with action. The world cannot turn its back on Sudan; it is imperative to leverage diplomatic channels to secure safe humanitarian corridors and ceasefire,” remarked Kholood Khair, Sudanese political analyst.
Widespread famine, starvation, and disease within the country have reached alarming rates, raising numerous ethical concerns among global stakeholders. The international response has been viewed as insufficient, with calls for greater humanitarian funding to respond to the dire needs of those affected.
The conflict and subsequent starvation are emblematic of the longstanding struggles Sudan has faced since the ousting of former dictator Omar al-Bashir. With international attention diverted elsewhere, Sudan's crisis persists, now catching the attention of humanitarian agencies who have resumed advocacy for larger-scale actions and funding for basic human needs.
Overall, humanitarian agencies are under severe strain, with dire forecasts stating the death toll could escalate if intervention is not prioritized. Continued fighting places millions at risk of losing their lives to starvation, illness, and the conflict itself, with shortages only worsening as the war continues.
Experts and officials alike are calling for action, as the needs and suffering of the Sudanese population take precedence over political rivalries, asserting, "Immediate action is imperative to avert catastrophe and provide relief to the civilians of Sudan struggling to survive," stated UN officials.
