The United Nations announced on Monday that it is seeking $6 billion from international donors for Sudan this year to help alleviate suffering in what it describes as one of the most devastating crises of our time, marked by mass displacement and increasing famine.
This appeal represents an increase of more than 40 percent compared to last year’s request for Sudan, occurring at a time when aid budgets worldwide are under growing pressure.
This strain has been exacerbated by a pause in funding announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump last month, which has impacted life-saving programs globally.
The U.N. emphasizes that these funds are crucial because the effects of the 22-month conflict between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have already displaced one-fifth of the population and exacerbated severe food shortages for around half of the population. The situation is expected to deteriorate further.
“Sudan is a humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions,” said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher ahead of the launch.
“Famine is taking hold; an epidemic of sexual violence rages; children are being killed and injured. The suffering is appalling.”
Famine conditions have been reported in at least five locations in Sudan, including displacement camps in Darfur, the UN statement said, adding that this was set to worsen with continued fighting and the collapse of basic services.
One of the famine-stricken camps was attacked by the RSF last week as the paramilitary group tries to tighten its grip on its Darfur stronghold.
While some aid agencies say they have received waivers from Washington to provide aid in Sudan, uncertainty remains on the extent of coverage for providing famine relief.
The UN plan aims to reach nearly 21 million people within the country, making it the most ambitious humanitarian response so far for 2025, and requires 4.2 billion dollars – the rest being for those displaced by the conflict.
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