Dismantled food systems in Sudan have left displaced families and individuals in dire famine conditions. Edem Wosonuru, Director of the Advocacy and Operations Division at the UN aid coordination office, brought attention to the matter at the UN Security Council on 6 January. Worsonuru underscored Zamzam, Al Salam, Abu Shouk camps for the internally displaced, and the western Nuba Mountains as areas with pressing famine conditions.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) attributes food insecurity primarily to conflict and displacement, further intensified by restricted humanitarian access. Women, children, and the elderly are primarily the groups disproportionately impacted according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Furthermore, disruptions in food production and the collapse of market systems have intensified the crisis in Sudan as over 16 percent of households in conflict-affected regions currently face severe food insecurity. The IPC Committee warns that famine could reach five additional regions, including Um Kadadah and El Fasher, without urgent intervention, by mid-2025. 17 other regions also remain at high risk of famine if immediate action is not taken.
While there have been many efforts to combat famine conditions in Sudan - such as on 25 December when 28 trucks arrived in Khartoum from Port Sudan with food, nutrition supplies, and other assistance - there are many logistical barriers in delivering aid. For example, Wosonuru pointed out, “Key areas in South Kordofan are effectively cut off from external assistance,” and “visas for humanitarian personnel are not being granted swiftly enough.”
Additionally, at the Adre crossing, recent inspection procedures for operations in Darfur have set back further humanitarian aid delivery. Thus, almost 90% of those in displaced households cannot afford food. Other efforts include the 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan which requires $4.2 billion to aid 21 million people, along with an extra $1.8 billion to assist refugees in neighboring countries.
The IPC analysis indicates that the crisis is at a critical juncture. Subsequently, the situation is expected to deteriorate further without immediate and collective efforts to stabilize food security. Issued by Ms.Woronuru and Beth Becdol (Deputy Director-General of FAO) during the Security Council briefing, the Sudan famine crisis calls for an appeal for international support. This entails that governments lessen the effects of nationwide hostilities through prioritized funding and safer relief routes.
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di Samuel Mushailov
