Food Supplies for Sudanese Refugees Nearly Depleted in Four Countries

A World Food Programme (WFP) official warned on Tuesday that food assistance for Sudanese refugees in four neighboring countries could run out within the next two months unless urgent new funding is provided, cautioning that malnutrition rates are on the rise.

More than four million Sudanese refugees have fled the ongoing civil war in their country—now in its second year—to seven neighboring nations, where living conditions remain extremely poor due to persistent funding shortages.

Sean Hughes, WFP’s Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis, said at a press conference in Geneva, “Unless new funding is secured, all refugees will face ration cuts in the coming months,” calling for $200 million in funding over six months.

He added that WFP operations in four countries—Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya—are severely underfunded, to the extent that all support may cease in the coming months as resources dry up. He later clarified that this could happen within two months.

Many of these Sudanese are fleeing from hunger hotspots in their home country. A joint UN report issued last month by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WFP stated that Sudan is at imminent risk of famine.

Hughes warned that any cuts or suspension of food rations will significantly increase the risk of malnutrition among refugee children.

When asked about the reason for the drop in funding, he pointed to a general decline in donor contributions and rising global humanitarian needs. He also noted that while the United States—which significantly cut its foreign aid spending during President Donald Trump’s administration—remains the largest donor to Sudan, the overall support is still insufficient.