Sudan is home to the world's worst humanitarian crisis in terms of the number of people affected — and as humanitarian aid from traditional sources disappears globally, it’s likely that more people will die of hunger, according to Leni Kinzli, the World Food Programme’s spokesperson for the country.
“It's a matter of life and death. If that money doesn't come in, the cost will be in lives lost,” she told Devex.
Almost 25 million people, or half of the country’s population, are acutely hungry, and famine has been declared in 10 different areas, according to the United Nations. Access to food was always precarious in Sudan, but it has only been exacerbated by a civil war that began in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces as both wrestle for political leadership. The fighting has forced over 12 million people to flee their homes and find refuge in resource-strapped camps where limited food means hunger is rife.
About the author
Rebecca L. Root
Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.
