The United Nations reported on Wednesday that the already dire situation in Sudan has deteriorated since the last Security Council briefing just weeks ago, with famine now affecting several regions of the country.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that nearly two years of conflict between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have caused significant suffering, transforming parts of Sudan into what has been described as “a hellscape.”
OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy, Edem Wosornu, informed the Council that over 12 million people have been displaced, including 3.4 million who have sought refuge outside Sudan. Additionally, more than half of the population—24.6 million individuals—are facing acute hunger.
Wosornu highlighted the collapse of health services, the plight of millions of traumatized children deprived of formal education, and the ongoing incidents of sexual violence.
Despite the widespread hunger and critical humanitarian needs, aid organizations have had to suspend operations at the largest displacement camp, Zamzam, due to escalating violence.
This camp is home to over half a million displaced individuals. Wosornu noted that on Monday, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the primary provider of health and nutrition services in Zamzam, announced the cessation of its operations due to the worsening security conditions.
Furthermore, she mentioned that the World Food Programme has confirmed the halt of voucher-based food assistance in the camp, citing the security situation and the destruction of local markets.
Wosornu called on the Security Council to take urgent measures to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and to protect civilians both within the camp and in surrounding areas.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Office has verified reports of summary executions in regions that have recently changed control, raising concerns about potential war crimes.
Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss reiterated his government’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian aid and stated that efforts are underway to address the country’s political future.
