WFP warns of looming famine in Sudan’s capital as aid efforts falter amid funding crisis
Laurent Bukara, WFP’s Country Director in Sudan, described the hunger and desperation unfolding in parts of Khartoum as “severe.”
The World Food Programme (WFP) has raised the alarm over an impending famine in large parts of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, urging swift international action as humanitarian efforts face major setbacks due to critical funding gaps.
According to Laurent Bukara, WFP Country Director in Sudan, the hunger and desperation witnessed in parts of Khartoum are "severe".
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Her remarks followed WFP's recent success in reaching one million people across seven localities in Khartoum after finally gaining humanitarian access.
"The level of hunger and destitution and desperation that was found (is) severe and confirms the risk of famine in those areas," she told reporters from Port Sudan on Tuesday.
No longer accessible
Further, Bukara cited Jebel Awila as an example of a locality facing severe famine, highlighting that due to a severe lack of resources, essential nutritional supplements for vulnerable groups are no longer accessible.
She added that WFP had already been forced to reduce rations of oil and pulses because of a $500 million (Sh64.6 billion) funding gap, worsened by declining donor support.
In April, the WFP announced it had cut food rations in famine-risk areas to 70 per cent of the standard amount due to resource constraints.
"Supplements for young children and pregnant and nursing mothers are out of reach because of a lack of resources. Without urgent support, we will not be able to deliver the food package that the Sudanese need," Bukera said.
Millions displaced
Sudan's ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced millions and divided the country into opposing regions, with the RSF maintaining a strong presence in western Sudan.
The country recorded the highest number of internally displaced people ever documented in a single country, with 11.6 million forced to flee their homes in 2024 due to the ongoing civil war between the army and the RSF, according to the 2025 Global Report on Internal Displacement.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has spread beyond Khartoum and Darfur, causing widespread devastation and mass displacement.
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