As Sudan’s War Enters Its Third Year, UN Warns of Worsening Hunger and Humanitarian Crisis
As the devastating war in Sudan enters its third year, United Nations humanitarian agencies are issuing stark warnings: immediate action is critical to preventing further catastrophe.
“This is not a natural disaster—it’s a manmade crisis driven by conflict and the obstruction of humanitarian aid,” said Shaun Hugues, Regional Emergency Coordinator at the UN World Food Programme (WFP), during a press briefing from Nairobi.
The brutal conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. Over 12.4 million people have been displaced, including more than 3.3 million who have fled to neighboring countries as refugees.
“If we can’t secure access and resources to reach those in need, tens of thousands more people will die in the third year of conflict,” Hugues warned.
A Nation on the Brink: Half the Population Facing Hunger
According to WFP, around 25 million people—roughly half of Sudan’s population—are now experiencing severe food insecurity. Among them, five million children and pregnant or nursing mothers are suffering from acute malnutrition.
The ongoing war has destroyed essential infrastructure and caused widespread food shortages. Sudan is currently the only country officially classified as experiencing famine, with famine confirmed in at least 10 locations, including the Zamzam camp, which houses 400,000 displaced individuals. An additional 17 areas are at serious risk of famine in the coming months.
“The magnitude of this crisis could eclipse many other humanitarian disasters we’ve seen in recent decades,” said Hugues.
Women and Girls at Unprecedented Risk
The ongoing conflict has left women and girls particularly vulnerable. Maternal mortality rates have surged, with over 80% of hospitals in conflict zones no longer operational, making access to healthcare extremely limited.
Reports of conflict-related sexual violence remain significantly underreported. According to UN Women, there is growing evidence that sexual violence is being systematically used as a weapon of war.
“Women in Sudan are suffering the most egregious forms of violence, especially sexual assault,” said Anna Mutavati, UN Women’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “Their resilience is remarkable, but they cannot be expected to navigate this crisis on their own.”
Humanitarian Progress—But It’s Fragile
Despite daunting challenges, humanitarian organizations are making some headway. WFP has tripled its assistance levels since mid-2024 as access to previously unreachable areas improves.
UN Women has also made strides, reaching more than 15,000 women in severely affected regions by offering critical services, skill development, and establishing safe spaces for protection and support.
Still, Hugues cautioned that these achievements are tenuous. “The progress is real, but it remains a fraction of what’s needed,” he said.
Logistical Hurdles and Funding Shortfalls
Alongside active conflict, logistical challenges are hampering relief efforts. With the rainy season approaching, many roads will soon become impassable, delaying the delivery of aid.
“We need unimpeded access to those in need—across front lines, borders, and contested areas—without bureaucratic delays,” Hugues emphasized.
Funding is another pressing concern. The WFP has been forced to halve food rations in certain areas due to limited resources. An additional $650 million is urgently needed to sustain operations within Sudan for the next six months. An extra $150 million is required to support Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries.
Call for Peace and Inclusion
Ultimately, Hugues stressed that the most critical need is peace. “A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are essential so that people can begin to rebuild their lives,” he said.
UN Women echoed this call, emphasizing that women must have a seat at every peace negotiation table. “We urge governments, donors, and the international community to act now,” said Mutavati. “Sudanese women deserve more than survival—they deserve the opportunity to live with dignity and rebuild their futures.”
As the crisis escalates, UN agencies continue to advocate for rapid action, increased funding, and a commitment to inclusive peace-building to prevent further human suffering in Sudan.
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