UN reports record displacement and humanitarian crisis in Sudan

The United Nations has reported a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with over 11.5 million people now estimated to be internally displaced. According to Edem Wosornu, Director of the Operations and Advocacy Division at OCHA, nearly 8.8 million of these displacements have occurred since April 2023, amid escalating conflict across the country.

Escalation of Violence

Wosornu highlighted the intensification of fighting in December, particularly in areas like the Zamzam displacement camp, where civilians have been killed or injured by artillery shelling. Reports indicate that individuals attempting to leave the camp have been blocked.

The violence also claimed the lives of three World Food Programme staff members, who were killed in an airstrike on December 19 at their compound in Yabus, Blue Nile State.

Record Humanitarian Appeal for 2025

The 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan will require an unprecedented $4.2 billion to support nearly 21 million people in need, Wosornu said.

Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of the FAO, underscored the impact of the ongoing conflict and displacement. “The violence and economic instability have displaced 11.5 million people, creating the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, and driven the prices of basic goods beyond reach for many,” she stated.

Sudan’s Position on the U.S. Administration

When asked about potential relations with the incoming U.S. administration, Sudan’s Ambassador, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed, expressed a willingness to engage with President Trump. “President Trump is a deal maker. We are prepared to strike a deal with him we come with a blueprint for engagement at all times,” he said.

The situation in Sudan continues to demand urgent international attention as the humanitarian crisis deepens.