The United Nations has launched an appeal for $6 billion to assist Sudan, warning that the country is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with mass displacement and widespread famine worsening due to the ongoing war.
The request, which marks a more than 40% increase from last year’s aid allocation for Sudan, comes at a time when global humanitarian budgets are under strain.
The situation has been further complicated by US President Donald Trump’s recent funding freeze, which has disrupted life-saving aid programmes worldwide.
According to the UN, the devastating 22-month conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has displaced one-fifth of the country’s population and left nearly half of Sudan’s people facing extreme hunger.
The UN identified at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, where famine conditions are already present. These conditions are expected to deteriorate as fighting continues and basic services collapse.
One of these famine-stricken camps came under attack last week by the RSF, which is seeking to solidify control over its Darfur stronghold.
While some aid agencies have reportedly secured exemptions from US sanctions to provide humanitarian relief in Sudan, uncertainty remains over the scope of these waivers, particularly regarding famine relief efforts.
The UN’s appeal aims to support nearly 21 million people inside Sudan, requiring $4.2 billion—the largest humanitarian response plan for 2025. The remaining funds are intended to assist those who have fled the country due to the war.
As the conflict shows no sign of abating, the UN has stressed the urgency of securing funding to prevent an even greater catastrophe.
