Sudan is currently grappling with one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, affecting approximately 30 million people who are in dire need of emergency assistance. The situation has escalated dramatically since the outbreak of civil war over two years ago, leading to the displacement of more than 4 million individuals, either internally or as refugees in neighboring countries.
Edem Wosornu, the director of operations and advocacy at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, recently returned from her third visit to Sudan, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of ongoing violence and an unprecedented hunger crisis. Key cities such as Khartoum, El-Fasher, and El-Geneina have been severely damaged due to relentless fighting between rival military factions, which has not only displaced millions but also destroyed essential infrastructure.
Wosornu highlighted the alarming statistics reported by the World Food Programme, revealing that over 638,000 people are experiencing the highest level of food insecurity, classified as phase 5 on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which indicates famine-like conditions. This situation is compounded by the fact that more than half of the global acute malnutrition cases are concentrated in Sudan, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.
The conflict, now entering its 860th day, has been marked by repeated violations of international humanitarian law, including drone strikes and shelling that target civilian areas. Areas like El-Fasher in North Darfur have been under siege for more than 500 days, severely restricting the delivery of lifesaving aid. Wosornu emphasized that access remains the greatest challenge, with many trucks carrying essential food and medical supplies stranded at border crossings, unable to reach those in desperate need.
Despite these obstacles, there have been some positive developments. UNICEF recently managed to deliver aid to hundreds of thousands of people in South Kordofan, showcasing the resilience and determination of humanitarian organizations working under increasingly difficult conditions. Wosornu praised these efforts, noting that they represent a rare bright spot amid widespread devastation.
The situation in Khartoum paints a grim picture. Once a vibrant city, it now resembles a ghost town, with streets littered with remnants of war, including explosive ordnance and destroyed buildings. Basic services have largely disappeared, leaving residents, aid workers, and officials traumatized. However, Wosornu also observed signs of resilience among the population, with individuals attempting to restore some semblance of normalcy by sweeping streets and caring for their communities.
The crisis is not confined to Sudan alone; it has placed immense strain on neighboring countries, particularly Chad, which is currently hosting over 850,000 Sudanese refugees. Wosornu commended the Chadian government for its efforts to keep borders open despite the overwhelming burden on local resources and security forces. She noted that one in every three people in eastern Chad’s provinces is Sudanese, leading to alarming levels of malnutrition and a cholera outbreak that threaten both refugees and host communities.
Addressing concerns about international apathy and funding shortfalls, Wosornu pointed out that Sudan’s crisis funding stands at 25 percent, which is higher than the global average of around 17 percent. However, she stressed that given the scale and complexity of the emergency, this is still insufficient. Wosornu called for increased funding and greater media attention to the crisis, emphasizing the need for more access for journalists and aid workers to tell the story and reach those in desperate need.
In her direct appeal to the international community, she urged all parties involved in the conflict to guarantee humanitarian access across front lines and called for an immediate end to hostilities. Wosornu stated, “Sudan cannot continue like this. The war must stop. Only then can recovery and rebuilding begin.” She highlighted the cost-effectiveness of providing life-saving assistance, which amounts to just 55 cents per person per day, a small investment that could save millions of lives.
As the situation in Sudan continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for the global community to respond with urgency and compassion. The resilience of the Sudanese people, coupled with the determination of humanitarian organizations, offers a glimmer of hope. However, without sustained efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and provide adequate support, the path to recovery remains fraught with challenges.