SUDAN – The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has identified Sudan as one of six “hunger hotspots” globally, warning of a likely surge in hunger and famine-related deaths in the coming months.
In a report released on Monday, the FAO called for urgent humanitarian action and coordinated international efforts to de-escalate conflicts, halt displacement, and scale up comprehensive humanitarian response.
The report states: “Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are hotspots of the highest concern, where parts of the population are already facing or are at risk of starvation or catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity.”
The UN body noted that these crises are being intensified by escalating or protracted armed conflicts, economic shocks, and natural disasters. The situation in Sudan is particularly alarming, with the war entering its third year and humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly.
“Urgent humanitarian action is needed along with strengthened international efforts in Sudan,” the FAO urged in its latest bulletin.
Access restrictions and severe funding shortages are further compounding the crises. The FAO report linked the worsening of Sudan’s situation to growing obstacles hindering aid delivery and the significant lack to humanitarian funding.
According to the UN, 30 million people in Sudan are now classified as food insecure. This figure is compounded by the displacement of 13 million people both internally and across borders, ongoing conflict, widespread disease outbreaks, and the collapse of basic service.
The report underscores that Sudan is not only experiencing a deepening hunger crisis but is also at the center of one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies. The risk of famine continues to grow amid the inability of aid agencies to reach those most in need.
Efforts to end the war in Sudan have faltered in recent months. The international community’s momentum has slowed while the warring factions continue to pursue a military solution. The report notes: “An unprecedented mobilization of young men to the frontlines is underway, alongside a dangerous military buildup.”
The FAO stressed that without immediate international attention and intervention, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan will spiral further out of control. The organization reiterated its call for de-escalation and increased humanitarian access.
In Summary, the FAO’s latest “Hunger Hotspots” report delivers a grim assessment of Sudan’s current trajectory. As humanitarian access shrink and funding dries up, millions face hunger, disease, and displacement – all amid a prolonged and deadly conflict with no clear and in sight.
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has intensified since war broke out in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has decimated health systems, displaced millions, and pushed vital services to collapse. Aid groups face constant risks and many regions remain inaccessible due to active fighting and widespread lawlessness.
