Famine Risk Grows in Conflict-Hit Regions of Sudan

Displaced mother seeks care for child at UNICEF clinic in Kassala.

Over the course of 2025, Sudan’s food security situation has worsened significantly. Compounded by the Sudanese Civil War, millions face alarming levels of food insecurity and are at risk of famine. Humanitarian experts have described it as the world’s worst hunger crisis today.

More than two years of warfare have destroyed critical infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving many without access to basic services. The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that 24.6 million people—half the population—are acutely food insecure. About 638,000 people are facing the most severe levels of hunger, the highest number globally.

On June 12, the WFP, UNICEF, and the FAO issued a joint press release highlighting the food crisis in Upper Nile State. With armed conflict escalating, aid deliveries have been disrupted and food sources destroyed. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), 11 out of 13 counties in Upper Nile are facing emergency hunger levels.

Nasir and Ulang are the most affected counties, devastated by clashes and airstrikes since March. Displacement has surged, and experts warn that famine is imminent. Around 32,000 people are experiencing catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5), a threefold increase from earlier estimates.

“Once again, we are seeing the devastating impact conflict has on food security in South Sudan,” said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP Country Director. “Conflict doesn’t just destroy homes—it cuts access to markets and sends food prices spiraling. Peace is essential, but immediate access is critical to prevent famine.”

The crisis extends to Khartoum State and surrounding areas, the epicenter of much of the conflict. According to WFP’s Sudan Country Director, Laurent Bukera, widespread destruction has left many areas at high risk of famine.

“The needs are immense,” said Bukera, citing cholera outbreaks, and lack of water, electricity, and healthcare. He described Jabal Awliya, near Khartoum, as marked by extreme “hunger, destitution, and desperation.”

Bukera also expressed concern about displaced people returning to unsafe and damaged areas, further straining aid delivery. “We are aiming to reach 7 million people monthly, prioritizing those at risk of famine,” he added.

Funding shortfalls have worsened the situation. Millions—especially children and pregnant women—lack access to vital nutrition. Acute malnutrition now affects 2.3 million children in South Sudan, a rise of over 200,000 in recent months.

UNICEF’s Noala Skinner said, “Access challenges, health site closures, and the cholera outbreak are putting young lives at risk.” McGroarty added, “We need continuity and scale-up of services for malnutrition prevention and treatment.”

Despite obstacles, the UN is reaching over 4 million people monthly—four times more than in early 2024. Access has improved in previously unreachable areas like Khartoum, enabling more aid deliveries. WFP’s goal is to reach 7 million people as access continues to improve.

Still, the situation is fragile. Bukera stated that WFP urgently needs $500 million for emergency food and cash assistance over the next six months. The rainy season is expected to worsen challenges, with flooding likely to increase disease and damage infrastructure.

The security of aid workers is also deteriorating. “Attacks on humanitarian staff are escalating—including a recent strike on a WFP-UNICEF convoy near El Fasher,” said Bukera. “In April, aid workers were killed during fighting in the Zamzam camp.”

To sustainably resolve the crisis, a lasting ceasefire is essential. The joint WFP, FAO, and UNICEF report notes that areas with less violence show better food security, improved crop production, and smoother aid operations—highlighting the critical link between peace and progress.