Famine spreads as crisis worsens in Sudan

Human suffering in Sudan has reached devastating levels, with more than 11.5 million internally displaced and 3.2 million people seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

In a speech on Monday before the Security CouncilEdem Wosornu, director of the Promotion and Operations Division of the Humanitarian Aid Coordination Office of the UN (OCHA), described the ongoing disaster as “a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions.”

This “man-made” catastrophe, driven by relentless conflict, has dismantled food systems and critical infrastructure, leaving millions of people in imminent danger, he explained.

Signs of famine increase

«Famine conditions now exist in five areas», declared Wosornu, highlighting the internally displaced persons camps of Zamzam, Al Salam and Abu Shouk, as well as the western Nuba mountains.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that conflict and displacement are the main drivers of food insecurity, “exacerbated by the restriction of humanitarian access,” according to the deputy director general of that UN agency, Beth Bechdol.

The latest analysis of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and the elderly.

The disruption of food production and the collapse of market conditions have worsened the crisis.

The Committee responsible for the aforementioned Classification has projected that the famine could spread to five other regions, including Um Kadadah and El Fasher, by mid-2025, with another 17 areas at high risk without urgent intervention.

Bechdol reminded the Council of the terrible consequences of such crises: “As we have learned from these extreme crises, tens of thousands of deaths have already occurred before any famine was classified.”

Recent assessments indicate that more than 16% of households in affected areas are currently suffering from catastrophic food insecurity.

Challenges in delivering aid

Despite continued efforts, logistical barriers hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid.

“On December 25, a convoy of 28 trucks from Port Sudan arrived in Khartoum with food, nutritional supplies and other aid,” which was a step forward, Wosornu explained. However, challenges remain.

«Key areas of South Kordofan are effectively isolated from foreign aidr”, while “visas for humanitarian personnel are not granted quickly enough”, he declared.

New inspection protocols at the Adre border crossing, crucial for operations in Darfur, have also further delayed aid delivery.

Currently, almost 90% of displaced households cannot afford to buy food.

A unified call to action

Both Wosornu and Bechdol called for international support during the Security Council briefing.

They urged governments to prioritize fundingguarantee safe aid routes and pressure the parties involved to cease hostilities.

“Immediate and unimpeded” humanitarian access is essential, Bechdol said, so that partners can deliver “multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance.”

Sudan’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 calls for $4.2 billion to help 21 million people, and another $1.8 billion for refugees in neighboring countries.

A critical juncture

FAO underlined the importance of addressing agricultural shocks and rebuilding food systems alongside immediate relief efforts.

«When farmers can access land and inputs, they will produce food», stated Bechdol.

According to the analysis of the aforementioned Classification, the crisis is at a crucial moment. Without decisive action to stabilize food security, the situation is likely to worsen.

“Millions of lives are at even greater risk,” concluded Ms. Bechdol, “as is the stability of many nations in the region,” she stressed.