News|Humanitarian CrisesSudan food aid at risk of running dry, UN warnsWFP says $700m needed before March in order to prevent the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis from worsening.

United Nations Appeals for Additional Funding in Sudan

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent request for $700 million to continue its operations in Sudan, amidst ongoing civil conflict. The funds are essential to address what is currently the world's most severe hunger and displacement crisis.

Over three years of conflict between the Sudanese military government and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of 14 million people. Efforts to negotiate a peace agreement have been unsuccessful, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

Due to a significant reduction in funding and competing global demands, the WFP has been forced to minimize rations. Without immediate financial support, food stocks in Sudan will be depleted by the end of March, leaving millions without essential assistance.

According to the WFP, more than 21 million individuals in Sudan, almost half the population, are experiencing acute hunger. Famine conditions have been confirmed in areas difficult for aid workers to access due to ongoing fighting.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for a concerted international effort to support humanitarian operations in Sudan. Despite attempts by the United States and regional mediators to broker a ceasefire, hostilities continue as both parties vie for control.

Both the government and the RSF have faced allegations of war crimes. The RSF, in particular, is accused of widespread violence in Darfur and central Kordofan. Recent diplomatic meetings in Cairo, involving the Quad countries and international organizations, aim to revive peace negotiations, although challenges remain.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.