UN warns of 1,000 days of war as Sudan becomes world’s largest humanitarian crisis

January 11, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan has become the site of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis as the conflict marks 1,000 days of fighting, the United Nations said on Saturday.

Nearly 34 million people, representing two-thirds of the country’s population, are now in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The UN spokesperson described the situation as grave and grim, noting that civilians continue to bear the brunt of a war that has shattered livelihoods and displaced millions.

The scale of the displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with 9.3 million people forced to flee within Sudan’s borders. An additional 4.3 million refugees have sought safety in neighbouring countries, placing a significant burden on regional resources.

Food security across the nation has reached a catastrophic level, with famine already confirmed in El Fasher, North Darfur, and Kadugli, South Kordofan. Officials warn that at least 20 other areas are at risk of similar conditions. Current estimates indicate that more than 21 million people are facing acute food insecurity nationwide.

In the Kordofan region, ongoing sieges have effectively isolated the localities of Kadugli and Dilling. These blockades have restricted the population’s access to essential food supplies, farmland, and local markets, further exacerbating the hunger crisis.

The Sudanese health system is currently on the verge of total collapse, with fewer than half of the country’s health facilities remaining fully functional. This breakdown in infrastructure is compounded by a widespread cholera outbreak reported in all 18 states, following more than 72,000 suspected cases recorded over the past year.

Gender-based violence remains a critical threat, with nearly 12 million people, primarily women and girls, considered at risk. Data shows that households headed by women are three times more likely to be food insecure, with 75 percent of such households reporting they do not have enough to eat.

Violence continues to escalate in Darfur, where humanitarian workers report frequent drone attacks and long-range strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. The environment for aid delivery remains extremely perilous; more than 125 aid workers have been killed since the conflict began in April 2023.

Despite the security risks and political constraints, humanitarian agencies reached nearly 19 million people last year. Local and women-led organizations have been instrumental in these efforts, often acting as the sole responders in high-risk zones.

For the 2026 calendar year, the UN and its partners have launched a $2.9 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to assist 20 million people. The world body continues to demand an immediate end to hostilities, the protection of aid workers, and safe, unhindered access for humanitarian relief.