The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that areas near Sudan‘s capital Khartoum are at risk of famine, as the country’s brutal civil war continues into its third year. Laurent Bukera, the WFP’s Sudan representative, described “widespread destruction” in the town of Jabal Awliya, south of Khartoum.
Bukera highlighted limited access to water, healthcare, and electricity, as well as a cholera outbreak, in areas south of Khartoum. “The needs are immense,” he said, calling for urgent international action to prevent famine.
The WFP has had to reduce food rations in areas at risk of famine to 70 percent of a standard ration, which equals 2100 kcal per day, due to a major funding shortfall of $500 million for emergency food and cash assistance. This reduction affects the most vulnerable populations, including young children and pregnant and nursing mothers.
Bukera emphasized that meeting basic needs, especially food, is critical and urgent. “WFP is deeply concerned, and meeting basic needs – especially food – is critical and urgent,” he said. The agency has reached one million people in seven localities in Khartoum but struggles to deliver essential supplements due to resource constraints.
The war has killed tens of thousands of people and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. Over four million have fled the country, and some 10.5 million are internally displaced. Famine has already been declared in five areas across Sudan, and nearly 25 million people are suffering dire food insecurity.
The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between the government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has led to widespread devastation and a severe humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies struggle to reach affected areas and provide essential assistance to those in need.