UN Seeks $6B To Tackle Sudan’s Devastating Hunger Crisis Amid War And Displacement

United Nations on Monday requested $6 billion of aid for Sudan in 2025 to alleviate what it says is the world’s most critical hunger crisis, the result of the country’s continued civil war. The request is a 40% hike in funding over last year, a vital call as international aid budgets are coming under increasing strain. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been worsened by an announced halt in funding last month by US President Donald Trump, which affected life-saving programs across the globe.

The conflict, which has burned for 22 months between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has displaced one-fifth of the country and left about half of Sudanese facing severe hunger. UN officials predict the situation is to get worse. World Food Programme director Cindy McCain, speaking to diplomats in Geneva, stated, “Sudan is now the epicenter of the world’s largest and most severe hunger crisis ever.”

Famine has already been reported in at least five areas throughout Sudan, including Darfur displacement camps. Collapse of primary services and ongoing battles are contributing to the deteriorating situation. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized the unprecedented scope of the crisis, requesting an equally unprecedented international response.

UN strategy will support close to 21 million people in Sudan, the largest most ambitious humanitarian program for 2025. $4.2 billion out of the $6 billion will go towards helping those in Sudan, while the rest will go to displaced people. While some of the aid agencies have been given waivers by the US to remain operational, it is still unclear how much of the aid will be available within the country.