UN warns of growing humanitarian needs in Sudan; WFP seeks $646 million to sustain aid

UN officials told the briefing that efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire in Sudan must be linked to a political roadmap, and they welcomed plans for a national dialogue while stressing the need to protect civilians and enable humanitarian access.

The briefing highlighted El Obeid as a key humanitarian hub for the Kordofan region. World Food Programme support is currently reaching more than 100,000 vulnerable people in and around El Obeid and the agency said it is preparing to support more than 250,000 people if the situation deteriorates.

WFP has issued an urgent funding requirement of $646 million to sustain life‑saving food assistance operations in Sudan for the next six months, the briefing said. The UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs office and humanitarian partners underscored that ceasefire efforts must be paired with political solutions to permit sustained access and aid delivery.

UNICEF and other agencies continue to press for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to reach children and families affected by conflict, with briefers urging member states to facilitate movements across conflict lines.

No new pledges to meet the $646 million requirement were announced during the briefing; operational needs and access constraints were described as the immediate priorities.