The World Food Programme (WFP) is facing significant challenges in maintaining emergency operations in Sudan, where over 1,000 days of conflict have pushed families to the edge. Despite reaching 10 million vulnerable individuals with food, cash, and nutrition assistance since the conflict began, the UN agency is struggling to sustain its efforts.
The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis, with over 21 million people lacking sufficient food. Famine has been confirmed in parts of the country, and nearly 12 million people have been forced to flee their homes. Additionally, 3.7 million children and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are malnourished, with recent surveys documenting record levels of malnutrition in North Darfur.
WFP has continued to deliver aid to an average of four million people monthly, including in previously hard-to-reach areas in Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Al Jazira states. However, the agency has been forced to reduce rations to the absolute minimum due to funding constraints. By the end of March, WFP’s food stocks in Sudan are expected to be depleted, putting the lives of millions at risk.
The WFP has made significant progress in recent months, providing regular assistance to nearly 1.8 million people in famine-affected areas. A joint UN convoy into Kadugli in October marked a breakthrough, reaching families who had been cut off from aid for months. Nevertheless, the agency urgently needs $700 million to continue operations through June.
The situation in Sudan remains critical, with every day of continued fighting pushing families deeper into hunger. The WFP has the capacity to scale up operations and save lives, but funding remains a significant challenge. The agency’s efforts have helped push back hunger in nine locations, and with sufficient funding, it can continue to make a difference. The international community must take immediate action to address the crisis in Sudan and prevent further suffering.
