Sudan Faces 'Massive' Humanitarian Crisis, WFP Warns — Millions Cut Off From Food

WFP Warns Of Worsening Humanitarian Catastrophe In Sudan

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning that Sudan is facing a "massive" humanitarian crisis as ongoing fighting and siege tactics block access to lifesaving food and aid. WFP Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau told Al Jazeera the agency is currently assisting about 5 million people nationwide, including roughly 2 million in hard-to-reach locations, but those efforts fall far short of the need.

“The needs are massive. We’re talking about 20 million people acutely food insecure, some 6 million in starvation. It is a massive crisis and what we’re able to do, which is important, isn’t enough.” — Carl Skau, WFP

The WFP has attempted multiple delivery methods to reach isolated communities — including air drops, digital cash transfers and positioning convoys outside besieged towns — but access remains impossible in many violence-ridden areas. Skau highlighted parts of Darfur and Kordofan as urgent priorities.

Access Denied In Key Towns

Skau cited el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which endured a prolonged siege before falling to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and the West Kordofan town of Babnusa, which the RSF says it recently captured. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), aligned with the government, deny Babnusa has fallen. Intensifying clashes between SAF and RSF in Kordofan are further restricting humanitarian access.

Reports Of Atrocities And Famine

United Nations officials and rights groups say the risks extend beyond food shortages. After el-Fasher's capture, satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports documented large-scale killings; UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the city as a "crime scene." Famine conditions have already been confirmed in parts of Darfur and Kordofan.

In South Kordofan’s Kalogi locality, an official told Al Jazeera that an RSF attack on a pre-school and other sites killed at least 116 people, including 46 children. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the assault a "full-fledged massacre," alleging the pre-school was struck by a drone-delivered missile and later bombed again as civilians attempted rescues.

The Sudan Doctors Network reported documenting 19 cases of rape by RSF fighters in the al-Afad camp near al-Dabbah, where many who fled el-Fasher had sought shelter. Two survivors were reported to be pregnant and receiving specialised care. The medical group condemned the attacks as violations of international law.

Frontlines And Humanitarian Routes Under Fire

Elsewhere, Sudanese sources reported interceptions of RSF drones over al-Damazin in Blue Nile state and damage to a power station that left the city without electricity. The RSF accused Sudan’s military of bombing the Adré border crossing with Chad — a vital route for humanitarian convoys — which the RSF said aimed to hinder relief deliveries.

The United Nations estimates that violence in Sudan has displaced about 9 million people and left more than 30 million in need of humanitarian assistance. WFP and other aid agencies are calling for urgent diplomatic pressure and increased access to prevent a deeper, long-term catastrophe.

What Is Needed: Unimpeded humanitarian access, scaled-up funding and diplomatic interventions to secure safe corridors for aid deliveries and to protect civilians trapped in besieged areas.