Humanitarian operations suspended as famine spreads in War-Torn Sudan

Critical humanitarian operations have been halted at Sudan’s largest displacement camp amid escalating violence and confirmed famine conditions, the United Nations warned in an urgent Security Council briefing.

“The already catastrophic situation has worsened” since the previous assessment just weeks ago, reported Edem Wosornu, OCHA Director of Operations and Advocacy, describing parts of Sudan as “a hellscape” after nearly two years of conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces.

More than 12 million people have been displaced, including 3.4 million fleeing across borders, while acute hunger afflicts 24.6 million citizens—over half the country’s population. Healthcare systems have collapsed, millions of traumatized children lack education, and systematic sexual violence continues unabated.

Médecins Sans Frontières, the primary healthcare provider at Zamzam camp, housing over 500,000 displaced persons, announced Monday it was forced to suspend operations due to deteriorating security conditions. The World Food Programme simultaneously halted voucher-based food assistance following market destruction in the area.

The UN Human Rights Office has confirmed reports of summary executions in contested territories, raising urgent concerns about war crimes as fighting intensifies across multiple regions.

“We urge the Security Council to take immediate action ensuring all actors abide by international humanitarian law and protect civilians,” Wosornu emphasized, as humanitarian corridors remain blocked and aid workers increasingly targeted.

Sudan’s Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian assistance but provided few concrete guarantees amid the spiraling crisis that threatens to become one of Africa’s worst humanitarian disasters in decades.