UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan

November 17, 2025 (pen) UN humanitarian agencies have warned of a rapidly deteriorating situation in Sudan and worsening humanitarian needs, with population movements increasing in an increasingly dangerous environment.

The head of the UNHCR sub-office in Port Sudan, Jacqueline Wilma, highlighted the state of despair experienced by civilians trying to flee the area.

She explained that a large number of people are still in El Fasher, while another number are moving around just as much, but they have been prevented from continuing their journey because of the danger, or the risk of being returned to El Fasher.

For its part, the World Health Organization warned of worsening hunger and a cholera outbreak that has killed more than 3,500 people.

World Health Organization spokesman Christian Lindmeier said: "Sudan is experiencing one of the world's most serious food crises, with more than 21 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity as of last September."

Lindmeier confirmed that famine is widespread in El Fasher and Kadugli, and that it now threatens twenty other areas in Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan.

According to the United Nations Mine Action Service, the danger stems not only from food shortages and disease, but also from explosives and fighting.