Sudan is on the brink of collapse after a year of violent conflict, with mass famine looming as food supplies dwindle and young children starve to death in cities, villages, and displacement camps, according to a new report by Islamic Relief.
The country has descended into one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, yet remains largely forgotten or ignored by the world. As a major ministerial conference on Sudan approaches in Paris on 15 April, Islamic Relief is urging world leaders to take action. They are calling for an immediate ceasefire, pressure on conflict parties to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, and increased aid to prevent a catastrophic famine. Shockingly, only 5% of the 2024 humanitarian response plan for Sudan has been funded so far.
The war has ravaged Sudan over the past year, leading to the world’s largest displacement crisis. 8.4 million people, including 2 million children under 5, have been forced to flee their homes. Islamic Relief staff are witnessing a surge in malnourished children in health and nutrition centers, with some children so emaciated they can barely breathe. Families are surviving on just a few mouthfuls of sorghum a day, as fighting has disrupted food production in key agricultural regions.
The economy is in freefall, with poverty rising and food prices doubling, leaving most families unable to afford basic staple foods. Islamic Relief’s report details extreme violence against civilians, with villages destroyed, women attacked, and children recruited into armed groups. Hospitals and markets have been bombed and looted, and critical infrastructure destroyed.
Elsadig Elnour, Islamic Relief’s Country Director in Sudan, paints a grim picture of the situation, stating, “Over the past year, I’ve seen my country descend into violence, madness, and destruction, neglected by the rest of the world. Everyone has lost everything. Everyone is traumatized. That’s how it feels to be Sudanese at this moment.”
Despite the challenges, Islamic Relief has provided vital aid to over 600,000 people across Sudan, distributing food and cash, supporting health facilities, and providing hygiene and dignity kits. The report emphasizes the resilience of Sudanese communities, with grassroots efforts such as community kitchens and families taking in displaced individuals. It calls on international donors to increase funding for these initiatives, particularly those led by women and civic committees.
Islamic Relief’s report urges warring parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire, engage in dialogue for a sustainable resolution, and uphold commitments to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access. The international community is called upon to ramp up aid, improve food security, support livelihoods, and play a more significant diplomatic role in reaching a ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian access.