Over 80 million Sudanese will need food: United Nations

The United Nations and its partners have warned of a large-scale crisis in food services in Sudan. This crisis is constantly increasing due to war, displacement, and a decrease in health and food services.

Ground conditions during 2026 indicate a further deterioration of the situation. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in 2026, more than 8.4 million people will need food aid, including approximately 5 million children under the age of five. Additionally, more than 3.4 million pregnant and breastfeeding women will be affected by a lack of health facilities and food shortages. OCHA's report predicts that across Sudan, 4.2 million children and women will suffer from severe food shortages, with more than 824,000 children under the age of five at risk of severe acute malnutrition.

Results from 31 out of 61 surveys conducted under standard procedures for monitoring and assessment confirm the spread of severe food shortages during the current year. The World Health Organization has stated that one of these surveys has also indicated that the situation is on the brink of famine. According to this survey, approximately 34.2% of the total population may be at risk of famine.

In Sudan's Kordofan and Darfur regions, military pressure is increasing. The United Nations reported earlier this month that due to roadblocks and obstacles, access to food, medical aid, and markets has been affected in several areas, including the capital of South Kordofan, Kadugli, and the city of Ed Daein. For several months, the "Rapid Support Forces" and their allies, the "Sudan People's Liberation Movement," have tightly besieged Kadugli and Ed Daein, bombing them with artillery and drones, resulting in the displacement of more than 800,000 people.

The majority of displaced people have moved to areas controlled by the rebel group, southwest of Kadugli. Local reports indicate that more than a dozen people have been killed and dozens injured in attacks on markets and military centers. Additionally, military operations are ongoing in the towns of Habila and Kortala. As the ground war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces intensifies, drones attacking cities and towns are playing a significant role in the fighting.

A series of drone attacks was seen in the city of Al-Obeid and its surroundings during January. These drone attacks are being blamed on each other. According to reports, more than 13 people, including children and women, have been killed in these drone attacks in Al-Obeid and its surroundings. Key facilities in the city are also being targeted.

Local reports indicate that fierce clashes are taking place on routes connecting northern Kordofan to strategic areas, threatening to disrupt supply lines and civilian movement. In particular, there is a risk that the route connecting western Sudan to the capital, Khartoum, may be cut off, where the parties are trying to seize control of areas from each other.

Aid agencies link the spread of war to concerns about food insecurity, the destruction of health and water facilities, and the growing wave of displacement in 2026. The United Nations has warned that the number of people in need may be much higher than current estimates, particularly for new displaced people and those trapped in besieged areas.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, warned against the increasing militarization of society by both parties in Sudan and expressed concern that the scenario of Al-Fashir could be repeated in the cities of Kordofan. Recall that in Al-Fashir, the Sudanese people are living in fear and a hell-like situation.

Volker Turk, speaking at a press conference in Port Sudan, said that the spread of modern military equipment, particularly drones, has increased the military capabilities of both parties. In this situation, the hostility has prolonged, and the crisis of civilians has deepened. He demanded that those responsible for war crimes, regardless of their affiliation, be brought to justice. He further stated that his office is documenting these violations to facilitate accountability.