World Food Programme warns that its stocks in Sudan will run out by September

June 29, 2026 (PEN) The United Nations World Food Programme warned last Friday that its food stocks in Sudan will run out by next September due to escalating military operations around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state.

The program said the risk of an imminent attack on the city could force hundreds of thousands to flee and exacerbate the country's hunger crisis.

He explained that he is currently providing food and cash assistance to more than 100,000 people inside Al-Abyad, and is working to expedite the delivery of additional aid to accommodate a potential 250,000 displaced people.

The country director of the program, Abdullah Al-Wardat, said during his briefing to the program's executive board in Rome last Thursday that the stocks being diverted to Al-Abyad were intended for the rainy season.

Al-Wardat added: "With the supply line under pressure, we will run out of food by September."

He pointed out that emergency operations are currently reaching only one in five people who need food assistance.

The program said it urgently needs $646 million to continue its operations over the next six months.

The World Food Programme, in coordination with the UN Secretary-General, called on all parties to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage of aid to El Obeid and the rest of Sudan.

This warning comes amid escalating fighting across North Kordofan state, with increasing drone attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The city of El Obeid is a vital humanitarian hub for the Kordofan region, and a lifeline for civilians facing siege-like conditions and declining access to basic services, according to the program.