Sudan Crisis: Famine, Starvation & Humanitarian Disaster – Latest Updates

Sudan Faces Imminent Famine as Conflict Enters Third Year

Sudan is grappling with a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, now entering its third year of conflict. The country is described as facing the world’s largest hunger crisis, with famine conditions already confirmed in parts of the Darfur and Kordofan regions, and a significant risk of widespread famine looming. More than 20 million people – roughly one in three Sudanese – have been forced from their homes by the fighting, making Sudan the largest displacement crisis globally.

Famine conditions have been officially declared in Al Fasher and Kadugli, according to the World Food Programme (WFP). A further 20 areas across Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan are at high risk. The conflict, coupled with severely restricted humanitarian access, is driving a sharp deterioration in food security and nutrition, particularly in the western regions of North Darfur, South Darfur, West Kordofan, and South Kordofan.

An estimated 21.2 million people – 41 percent of Sudan’s population – are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. This crisis is unfolding against a backdrop of widespread violence and human rights abuses, including reports of sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers. The ongoing fighting has also decimated the country’s healthcare system, leaving millions without access to essential medical services.

The scale of need is immense. The WFP is currently supporting 4 million people each month, providing emergency food assistance in areas where conflict has subsided and access has improved. However, a critical funding gap threatens to derail these efforts. The WFP urgently requires US$700 million to continue its operations in Sudan from January to June 2026.

The situation is expected to worsen as food stocks dwindle and fighting continues. According to a recent report from WHO, over 20 million people require health assistance, and 21 million are desperately in need of food. Nearly three years of continuous violence, severe access constraints, and reduced funding have created a crisis unlike any other. The health system has been severely damaged, with over one-third of health facilities non-functional.

Attacks on healthcare facilities are a major concern. Since the start of the conflict in April 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 201 attacks on health care, resulting in 1858 deaths and 490 injuries. These attacks, which violate international humanitarian law, are hindering access to lifesaving care and putting healthcare workers and patients at risk.

The level of displacement is unprecedented, with an estimated 13.6 million people currently displaced. This mass movement of people is exacerbating the crisis, leading to poor living conditions, overcrowding in displacement sites, and the spread of disease. Disease outbreaks are compounding the existing challenges, disrupting health and water, sanitation, and hygiene services, and undermining routine immunization efforts.

Humanitarian organizations are urging immediate and sustained international action, including increased funding, guarantees of safe passage for civilians, and diplomatic pressure on all parties to prevent further loss of life and support pathways to peace. The IRC has placed Sudan at the top of its Emergency Watchlist for the third year in a row, highlighting the accelerating collapse of the country and the devastating impact on civilians.

The crisis demands an end to hostilities and safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access to prevent further suffering and protect livelihoods. Without a significant increase in aid and a resolution to the conflict, the situation in Sudan is likely to deteriorate further, pushing millions more into starvation and despair.