Sudan’s ⁤Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid ‍Civil War

⁢ Updated‌ June 16, ​2025

The ⁤food security situation in Sudan has ‍deteriorated considerably in 2025, with millions at risk of famine due to ​the ongoing civil⁣ war. Humanitarian experts are calling it the world’s worst hunger crisis.

More then two years of conflict ⁢have devastated infrastructure and ​livelihoods, leaving many Sudanese without access to basic​ services. The World Food Program (WFP)‍ estimates that 24.6 ​million people, half the‍ population, ‍are acutely food insecure. Approximately 638,000 face the most severe levels of hunger globally.

A joint press⁢ release from ⁣the⁢ WFP,UNICEF,and FAO‌ on June 12 highlighted the dire situation in upper Nile State,were ⁣intensified conflict has disrupted⁤ aid deliveries and decimated food ‍sources. The ‌Integrated Food Security Phase‍ Classification⁤ (IPC) reports⁣ that‌ nearly‍ 85%‌ of people in Upper ⁣Nile⁣ State⁣ counties face emergency hunger levels.

Nasir ⁣and ​Ulang counties are‍ especially vulnerable, experiencing increased displacement and⁢ projected ‌famine⁤ due to ⁢armed clashes and airstrikes sence March. Around 32,000 people in these counties are experiencing catastrophic hunger,a threefold increase from previous estimates.

“Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes and livelihoods,” said ⁣Mary-Ellen ‍McGroarty,⁣ WFP⁣ Country Director in South Sudan.”It ⁢tears communities apart, cuts off access to markets, and sends food prices spiraling upward.” She emphasized the need for peace and safe ⁣access for aid teams to prevent famine.

The areas surrounding Khartoum State, the center of‌ the conflict, have also seen a meaningful decline in food security. WFP’s‍ Country Director in Sudan, Laurent Bukera, described “widespread destruction” in Khartoum and surrounding areas, with high famine risks.

Bukera noted a cholera ⁤outbreak and ‌lack of access to water, healthcare, and⁤ electricity. He described‌ Jabal Awliya, south of Khartoum, as ⁤having intense levels of ⁢hunger and desperation.

Bukera‌ also expressed concern about displaced civilians returning to damaged areas, complicating ‌relief efforts. The WFP aims to‌ reach 7 million people‍ monthly,prioritizing those facing famine or extreme risk.

Funding shortfalls have worsened the ⁣crisis, limiting access to ⁤lifesaving nutritional​ supplies. The number of children ‍in South Sudan at risk of acute malnutrition has risen to 2.3⁣ million.Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s country representative⁣ in South Sudan, emphasized the need for ‍continuous and scaled-up‌ services‍ to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Despite⁢ accessibility challenges, the ‌UN is assisting over 4⁤ million people monthly, a⁢ four-fold increase from early 2024.​ Restrictions have eased ⁤in previously unreachable areas like Khartoum, facilitating aid ‍delivery.

Tho, the stability‍ of relief efforts remains fragile. Bukera said the WFP urgently ‍needs $500 million for emergency food ⁢and cash assistance for the ⁣next six⁣ months. The upcoming rainy ⁤season ​is expected to strain resources ​further, with flooding increasing disease risks and infrastructure ⁣damage.

The security situation for ‍aid personnel is also deteriorating. Bukera cited escalating attacks on humanitarian personnel, including a recent strike on ‍a WFP-UNICEF ​convoy.​ He also noted the killing of aid‍ workers in ⁣Zamzam camp in April.

The WFP,⁢ FAO, and UNICEF joint report‍ emphasized ​that ⁤a lasting cessation of hostilities is crucial for a sustainable solution. Areas⁢ with lower violence have shown improvements in food security, linked ​to better crop production ⁣and smoother humanitarian operations.

What’s next

Continued ⁤international support and‌ a lasting peace agreement are essential to‍ address the escalating⁤ hunger crisis ⁢in⁢ Sudan⁢ and prevent further suffering.