More than 638,000 face famine in Sudan as lean season looms, U.N. says

May 14, 2025 (KHARTOUM/NEW YORK) – More than 638,000 people in Sudan are experiencing famine conditions, the United Nations said on Wednesday, warning that the dire humanitarian crisis could worsen significantly as the June-September lean season approaches.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) figures, released late last year and covering the period through May, show that about half of Sudan’s population, or 24.6 million people, faced high levels of acute food insecurity between December 2024 and May 2025. Some U.N. reports indicate as many as 30.4 million people in Sudan will need aid throughout 2025.

Famine conditions (IPC Phase 5 – Catastrophe) have been projected in at least ten areas, particularly in conflict-hit regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum, with another 17 areas at risk, according to the IPC.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed that without immediate and substantial humanitarian assistance and completely unimpeded access, the situation is set to deteriorate.

Ongoing conflict is a primary driver of the crisis, causing widespread displacement and restricting aid. Recent reports highlighted severe conditions in Al Fasher and the Zamzam camp in North Darfur due to escalating violence.

In response, the U.N. and its partners have reiterated urgent calls for all parties in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians and infrastructure under international humanitarian law, and ensure safe and sustained humanitarian access.

The international community is also being strongly urged to increase financial support for Sudan’s humanitarian response, with U.N. partners seeking $4.2 billion for 2025 to deliver life-saving aid.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also emphasized the critical need for investment in agriculture to bolster food production and protect livelihoods, calling it an essential defense against hunger.