At the heart of Africa, Sudan is struggling under the weight of a severe food crisis that continues to worsen as the war, ongoing since mid 2023, drags on. The conflict has left the country with little room to recover or stabilise, as fighting and the collapse of infrastructure have devastated agriculture and cut off vital food supply routes.
What was once seen as a country with significant production potential is now facing the looming threat of famine, putting the lives of millions at risk.
According to international assessments cited by media, nearly half of Sudan’s population is experiencing food insecurity, with more than 26 million people facing the immediate risk of hunger. Children, women and the elderly are the most affected, as indicators point to rising levels of malnutrition and shortages of basic food. Hospitals and health centres are operating under extreme pressure, unable to cope with the effects of prolonged hunger on health and immunity, further exposing communities to disease.
Sudan’s food crisis is not simply the result of a lack of resources, but the cumulative outcome of political and military conflict. The war has paralysed agricultural production and disrupted both internal and external trade. Markets that once thrived are now marked by severe shortages and unprecedented price increases, placing food beyond the reach of most households.
Forced displacement has further undermined food security, with displaced families increasingly dependent on humanitarian aid that is often limited or delayed. While international aid organisations are attempting to respond, ongoing fighting continues to obstruct relief efforts and deepen civilian suffering.
If the situation persists, Sudan risks shifting from a country that once relied on its agricultural output to one trapped in chronic hunger. With time running out, swift solutions remain limited, and reaching a comprehensive political settlement is increasingly seen as essential to preventing a looming food catastrophe. Each day of continued fighting adds another layer of hardship, leaving millions of Sudanese facing the growing shadow of famine.
