The Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
Two years into Sudan’s devastating civil war, the country is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Essential food items have become unaffordable for millions, with inflation rates soaring to alarming levels. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the inflation rate based on average consumer prices is expected to reach 118.9% this year, following a staggering 200% increase last year.
In Port Sudan, one of the safer regions in the country, the cost of basic goods has skyrocketed. A kilogram of meat now costs 26,000 Sudanese pounds ($43), compared to 12,000 Sudanese pounds ($20) before the conflict. Rice, beans, and sugar are increasingly scarce and expensive, making it harder for residents to meet their daily needs.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has described Sudan as "the largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis in the world." Over 30 million people require assistance, with more than half being children. This crisis has been exacerbated by the collapse of the Sudanese currency, rising prices, and the paralysis of productive sectors. As political activist Mohamed Elhadi explains, the government’s reliance on mineral revenues to sustain operations and fund the war has further deepened the economic turmoil.
Ongoing Conflict and Its Impact
The conflict between government forces led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), commanded by former deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, shows no signs of ending. In late March, the Sudanese army secured a significant victory by driving RSF troops from the capital, Khartoum. However, the G7 foreign ministers called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning attacks from both sides.
The ongoing hostilities have severely impacted agricultural production. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed that national cereal production in 2024 was 46% lower than in 2023 and 40% below the five-year average. This decline has directly affected food security, with famine confirmed in over 10 locations and another 17 on the brink.
Agricultural land and markets have been targeted, leading to the destruction of farmland and the displacement of farmers. In Gezira state, which once produced half of Sudan’s wheat, RSF forces have seized crops and fertilizers since taking control of the state capital in 2023. Similarly, livestock were looted or forcibly taken in Darfur and Kordofan states.
Destruction of Infrastructure and Economic Collapse
Infrastructure damage and fuel shortages have crippled industrial productivity in cities like Khartoum, Bahri, and Omdurman, where most of the country’s factories and workshops are located. The Red Cross has reported increased use of drone attacks on hospitals, electricity, and water infrastructure. The forestry sector, particularly in Kordofan and Blue Nile, has also suffered, with gum Arabic production—Sudan supplying over 70% of the world’s demand—effectively halted due to the conflict.
These disruptions have paralyzed key export sectors, leading to a sharp decline in foreign exchange earnings. As a result, the economy continues to deteriorate, with no clear path to recovery.
Aid Efforts and Challenges
International and local aid groups are working tirelessly to provide essential support to Sudan’s population. At a London conference in mid-April, the European Union and member states pledged $592 million to address the crisis, while the UK announced an additional $158 million in aid. However, these efforts depend heavily on donor funding, leaving them vulnerable to policy shifts.
In 2024, the United States was the largest single donor of humanitarian aid to Sudan. However, concerns have arisen over potential changes under new policies. For instance, a 90-day freeze on US aid and the announcement that around 80% of USAID programs will be scrapped could significantly impact aid availability.
Emigration and the Struggle to Survive
Harsh conditions have forced more than four million Sudanese to flee the country. Many refugees have attempted to reach Europe, with over a thousand arriving in early 2025 alone. Abdurahman, a displaced English teacher in Cairo, highlights the challenges of returning to Sudan. He notes that life in Egypt is more affordable, allowing him to work and afford basic necessities, something impossible in Sudan today.
Those who remain face extreme difficulties, including runaway inflation and restrictions on employment. Abdallah, a former lawyer now living in Port Sudan, relies on savings as he searches for new opportunities. He observes that few people can continue working in their original fields, with many resorting to informal jobs such as carrying goods, selling water, or small-scale trade.
The situation in Sudan remains dire, with no immediate resolution in sight. As the conflict continues, the human cost grows ever higher, demanding urgent international attention and action.