Sudan is facing a potentially catastrophic hunger crisis, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, dwindling humanitarian funding, and rising agricultural costs attributed to global disruptions. The conflict stemming from the ongoing war, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, has notably disrupted fertiliser shipments crucial for Sudan’s agricultural sector. This troubling situation was highlighted by Carl Skau, the acting executive director of the World Food Programme (WFP), who has underscored the grave implications for Sudan’s food security.
Currently, over 100,000 individuals in Sudan are reported to be experiencing famine-like conditions, marking them within the direst classification of the United Nations’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The WFP emphasizes that the severity of this crisis is alarming, with approximately five million people across the nation suffering from emergency to catastrophic levels of hunger.
The IPC’s data reveals that nearly 19.5 million individuals in Sudan are grappling with high levels of acute food insecurity. Recent conflict in the city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan has raised concerns that this area may endure similar hardships as el-Fasher in Darfur, which has been marked by severe violence and restricted humanitarian access. Fortunately, recent reports indicate a slight reduction in violence around el-Obeid, fostering cautious optimism that aid deliveries may increase significantly from 100,000 to 250,000 people benefiting in the area.
The WFP has recently expressed alarm regarding the resurgence of violence in Darfur, specifically in light of the closure of the Tine border crossing, crucial for aid supplies coming from Chad. This renewed conflict has the potential to reverse the progress achieved in combating famine across Sudan.
Despite these challenges, the WFP adapted its strategies, reflecting upon a significant reduction in the number of people it assists, from five million last year down to 3.5 million. This decrease in aid is notably due to a funding shortfall of 6 million resulting from cuts by major international donors, including significant contributions from the United States and European nations. As a result, many refugees and local populations have experienced diminished food rations, including in regions such as Tawila in Darfur.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has now entered its fourth year, displacing millions and severely impacting the country’s agricultural viability. The escalating prices of diesel and the shortage of fertiliser—exacerbated by the geopolitical tensions in the Gulf—pose further threats to Sudan’s agricultural sector and overall food security during this critical planting season.
Aid agencies continue to highlight the urgency of the situation and the pressing need for immediate attention to prevent further deterioration of food security in Sudan, which is home to many resilient communities striving for stability amid adversity.
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