Sudan: War pushes millions to brink as UN appeals for $6 billion lifeline

File Source: WFP

Nearly two years of relentless conflict in Sudan have unleashed a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, displacing 12 million people and pushing the country to the edge of famine. The United Nations and its partners are calling for urgent global action, launching a $6 billion appeal to support nearly 26 million people affected by the war inside Sudan and across its borders.

“Sudan is a humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “Famine is taking hold. An epidemic of sexual violence rages. Children are being killed and injured. The suffering is appalling. But our plan is a lifeline to millions. We need to stop the fighting, the funding to deliver for the Sudanese people, and better access by land, sea and air to those who need help.”

The war has devastated essential infrastructure, destroying hospitals, markets, and roads. With nearly two-thirds of the population in dire need, the UN warns that famine conditions have already been reported in at least five locations, including displacement camps in Darfur and the western Nuba Mountains. By May, when the lean season begins, hunger is expected to reach catastrophic levels. The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Sudan seeks $4.2 billion to provide life-saving aid to 21 million vulnerable people—the largest response plan under UN coordination this year.

Meanwhile, the crisis is rippling across borders. More than 3.5 million people have fled to neighboring countries, arriving in desperate conditions. Countries like Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt have shown immense solidarity by taking in refugees despite their own economic struggles. But resources are stretched to the limit, and essentials like food, water, and medical care are running low.

“The consequences of this horrific and senseless conflict spread far beyond Sudan’s borders,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “Neighboring countries have shown great solidarity by welcoming refugees, even when more are arriving every day. But their resources are stretched—essentials such as water, shelter, and health services are scarce—and Sudan needs urgent support. The international community must step up and help, not just to ensure that emergency aid and life-saving protection can continue without disruption, but also to end the violence and restore peace to Sudan.”

The UN’s Regional Refugee Response Plan requires $1.8 billion to support 4.8 million people across Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Uganda, and the Central African Republic. The plan prioritizes emergency shelters, psychosocial support, healthcare, and education. Without immediate funding, millions will face severe food shortages, and two-thirds of refugee children will be denied access to primary education. Already overwhelmed healthcare systems risk total collapse.

In 2024, humanitarian efforts reached over 15.6 million people in Sudan with $1.8 billion in funding, providing food to 13 million and essential services such as water, sanitation, and shelter. Aid organizations also delivered food assistance to over a million people in neighboring countries and provided medical care to half a million refugees.

The urgency is clear: without swift action, millions more will suffer. The world is watching, and the time to act is now. The UN’s funding appeal is not just about aid—it’s about survival.

The launch event in Geneva, featuring remarks from Tom Fletcher and Filippo Grandi, will be livestreamed on UN WebTV at 14:00 GMT.