Critical shortfalls in humanitarian funding are pushing millions of Sudanese refugees closer to catastrophe, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday. The agency raised the alarm over an impending crisis that may soon halt food assistance across multiple host countries, just as the region continues to absorb refugees escaping Sudan’s brutal civil conflict.

The WFP’s warning comes more than two years after fighting broke out between Sudan’s national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since then, nearly four million Sudanese have sought refuge in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Uganda, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Libya. But now, the already stretched humanitarian lifeline is fraying.

“Drastic cuts” to food supplies are looming, WFP stated, as funding shortfalls risk bringing operations “to a halt” in several key host nations. Chad, which currently shelters around a quarter of all Sudanese refugees, may soon be forced to slash food rations unless new financial contributions are secured. In Uganda, the situation is especially bleak.

“In Uganda, many vulnerable refugees are surviving on less than 500 calories a day,” WFP noted. That’s barely a quarter of the daily nutritional requirement. Refugee reception centres in Uganda and South Sudan have reported malnutrition levels among children that already exceed emergency thresholds.

Children Face Rising Malnutrition Risk

Many of the children arriving at border areas are already in poor health, suffering from acute hunger even before receiving aid. “This is a full-blown regional crisis that’s playing out in countries that already have extreme levels of food insecurity and high levels of conflict,” said Shaun Hughes, WFP Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis.

“Millions of people who have fled Sudan depend wholly on support from WFP, but without additional funding we will be forced to make further cuts to food assistance. This will leave vulnerable families, and particularly children, at increasingly severe risk of hunger and malnutrition.”
Shaun Hughes

The collapse in funding coincides with a worsening military and political crisis inside Sudan itself. Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF have intensified, particularly around Khartoum and other strategic locations. Despite efforts from international actors, peace remains elusive.

The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has seen both sides refuse to accept defeat, prolonging bloodshed and displacement. Diplomatic channels have remained active, with the African Union (AU), United Nations, and international mediators working to revive talks and press for a ceasefire.

The Jeddah Declaration, signed in May 2023, remains a reference point for negotiations, but implementation has proven challenging. The AU Peace and Security Council recently reiterated its commitment to the AU Roadmap, stressing the need for “ceasefire, humanitarian access, and political dialogue.”

However, internal divisions have worsened. The RSF has established a parallel authority in regions under its control, while the SAF is pushing forward with constitutional amendments to cement its grip. These moves have heightened fears of a fractured Sudan, or even state collapse — an outcome that would ripple across the Horn of Africa and Sahel.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian consequences grow more dire. With no political resolution in sight and refugee populations swelling by the day, WFP’s warning underscores the fragile balance between survival and starvation for millions. The agency called on international donors to urgently step in, as cuts to food aid will disproportionately affect women and children already at the edge of desperation.

Without swift and substantial support, the region faces the grim prospect of an escalating famine on top of a protracted conflict.