Sudan Faces Humanitarian Catastrophe as Key Donors Cut Critical Aid

Without an urgent influx of funds, famine is expected to spread further in the coming months, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Sudan is teetering on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster following sudden and severe funding cuts by top government donors. These reductions and suspensions have stripped away vital support from humanitarian organizations striving to assist nearly 21 million people in dire need across the country this year.

The crisis in Sudan is among the deadliest humanitarian emergencies in recent history. With over half of the population suffering from hunger and famine expanding rapidly, the need for urgent international aid has never been more critical. Yet, at a time when humanitarian assistance is most needed, funding has sharply declined, putting millions of lives at immediate risk.

For decades, international donors have been a cornerstone of humanitarian efforts in Sudan. In 2023 alone, they contributed $1.8 billion through the Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan, ensuring vital aid reached at least 15.6 million people. However, the situation in 2024 is even more desperate, with an estimated $4.2 billion required to meet the country’s growing humanitarian needs. Alarmingly, only 6.3% of this funding target has been received, leaving an enormous shortfall that threatens essential relief efforts.

The abrupt withdrawal of funding will severely impact the provision of life-saving assistance, particularly for millions of vulnerable women, children, and displaced families who rely on food aid, medical support, and other critical services. Without an urgent influx of funds, famine is expected to spread further in the coming months, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis.

Now is the time for urgent global action. I call on major donors to reconsider their decisions to cut funding and instead uphold their commitments to life-saving humanitarian assistance in Sudan. Additionally, I urge other governments, international organizations, foundations, charities, faith-based groups, private sector leaders, and individuals to step forward and help bridge the funding gap.

The situation in Sudan is a test of our shared humanity. If immediate action is not taken, millions of innocent lives will be lost. The world must act now to prevent an even greater tragedy.