UN Begins Food Distribution in War-Torn Darfur as Hunger Crisis Worsens

‍The United Nations announced on Friday that it has initiated the distribution of food aid in Sudan’s western Darfur region for the first time in months, following two aid deliveries from Chad in March.

Despite this effort, millions in Sudan continue to face acute hunger amid a devastating conflict.

Sudan’s ongoing war between military forces and paramilitary groups has led to one of the most severe hunger crises globally. According to the World Food Program (WFP), about 18 million people, or a third of Sudan’s population, are experiencing acute hunger, with 5 million on the brink of starvation.

Speaking about the dire situation, WFP’s representative in Sudan, Eddie Rowe, stated that “Hunger in Sudan will only increase as the lean season starts in just a few weeks. I fear that we will see unprecedented levels of starvation and malnutrition sweep across Sudan.”

The situation is especially critical in Darfur, where intense fighting has escalated the humanitarian crisis. The recent aid convoys from Chad aim to reach approximately 250,000 people, but further shipments remain uncertain.

The UN has warned of a potential surge in malnutrition and death among children unless funding and aid delivery are significantly increased. The UN’s funding appeal for Sudan, amounting to $2.7 billion, was less than 5% met last month.

Sudan’s conflict, which erupted in April last year, has caused thousands of deaths and a resurgence of violence in Darfur. This situation is reminiscent of the early 2000s genocide. Accusations of war crimes committed by both the military and paramilitary forces have been made by the International Criminal Court.

The conflict is extending beyond Sudan’s borders, with over half a million refugees fleeing to Chad.

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