The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that Sudan is now experiencing a full-scale famine, marking one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. The report highlights that nearly 25 million people—more than half the population—are suffering from acute food insecurity, amid ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Humanitarian organizations report widespread access restrictions, especially in conflict zones such as Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan, where hostilities have displaced over 9 million people, many of whom are now living in improvised shelters without access to food or clean water.

UN agencies say they are unable to deliver aid due to the targeting of aid convoys, looting of warehouses, and attacks on humanitarian personnel. Several border crossings remain closed, and the few operational routes are often too dangerous for safe passage.

Starvation and Malnutrition Soar
According to WFP, rates of child malnutrition are at record highs, with over 3 million children under five classified as acutely malnourished. In several regions, families have resorted to consuming wild plants and foraging for scraps, raising fears of mass starvation in the coming weeks.

Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
The WFP and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have called for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered access to affected areas, warning that continued fighting could push millions more into catastrophic hunger.

International donors are also urged to step up support, as funding shortfalls threaten to halt food aid altogether.

WFP’s country director, Eddie Rowe, stressed: “We are running out of time. If aid doesn’t reach those who need it most, we’ll see famine claiming lives on a scale not witnessed in decades.”

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