A confidential report has revealed severe flaws in the World Food Program’s (WFP) efforts to address Sudan’s hunger crisis, undermining its mission and donor confidence.
The United Nations’ primary food-aid distributor struggles to aid millions in Sudan, one of the world’s worst hunger-stricken nations. The internal review highlights operational failures, missed funding opportunities, and inadequate anti-fraud measures, exacerbating the crisis.
Compiled in August by the WFP’s Regional Emergency Coordination team, the report labels Sudan its largest emergency. It criticizes overly ambitious aid targets and warns of reputational risks linked to unrealistic planning and high operational costs.
With Sudan’s civil war pushing half the 50-million population into severe hunger, hundreds are dying daily from starvation. The WFP has reportedly met only half of its 2024 implementation goals.
Key donors, including the United States, are pressing for tangible progress before renewing financial commitments. “WFP’s reputation for rapid response has been damaged,” the report states.
Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director, admitted delays in Sudan’s response but expressed confidence in recent improvements. “We now have the strongest leadership in place and are delivering as effectively as possible,” he said Monday.
Efforts to rebuild include revising targets, strengthening donor relationships, and clearing nearly 200 overdue fraud investigations. Allegations of misconduct among top Sudan-based WFP officials are also under review.
The report adds to scrutiny of the WFP, which faced criticism for food theft in other crisis zones. Despite these challenges, the WFP remains vital, delivering aid to over two million Sudanese this year.
The agency, a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasizes transparency and renewed focus as it battles global hunger. “We welcome honest assessments to improve and move forward,” Skau affirmed.
As Sudan’s suffering escalates, the stakes for the WFP’s recovery have never been higher.
