Sudan’s humanitarian aid system is facing a serious funding crisis as ongoing conflict, displacement and severe weather increase pressure on relief operations. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that an important aid supply network could run out of essential relief items by the end of September without urgent financial support.
The warning comes as millions of people remain displaced across Sudan. The country has been affected by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The conflict has created enormous humanitarian needs, while international funding has fallen.
Essential Aid Supplies Under Pressure
The IOM manages the Common Humanitarian Pipeline, a logistics network that helps humanitarian organisations move shelter materials and other essential non-food supplies into different parts of Sudan.
The network has supported nearly 100 national and international organisations. Since July 2023, it has helped provide assistance to about 2.8 million people. However, declining donations have reduced its ability to reach people who need help.
The IOM said shelter materials, sanitation equipment and emergency household supplies could be exhausted by the end of September if additional funding does not arrive. Warehouse operations supporting the system could also become unsustainable later in the year.
Millions Remain Displaced
Sudan’s humanitarian needs continue to grow as violence forces people to leave their homes. The IOM estimates that about 8.6 million people remain internally displaced across the country. Heavy rain and flooding have added another challenge by damaging shelters and forcing some displaced families to move again.
The wider food crisis is also severe. UN agencies have warned that millions of people are facing serious food insecurity, while humanitarian organisations are struggling to maintain regular assistance because of limited resources.
The World Food Programme has also reported a major reduction in funding. According to figures cited by Reuters, WFP received about $645 million in funding last year, while funding had reached only $206 million so far this year at the time of the September 14 warning.
Humanitarian Operations Could Shrink Further
Funding shortages are affecting more than the movement of physical supplies. Aid agencies say they have the personnel and operational presence needed to help more people, but financial limitations are restricting what they can deliver.
The IOM estimates that maintaining its humanitarian pipeline for one year to support around 305,000 people would cost approximately $15 million. It says about $42 million would be needed to restore the network to the level of assistance it provided in 2024.
The warning highlights a difficult situation for humanitarian agencies. The need for assistance continues to rise, while the resources available to respond are moving in the opposite direction.
What Happens Next
The immediate concern is whether additional international funding will arrive before essential supplies begin running out. Without new support, humanitarian organisations may have to reduce operations at a time when conflict, displacement, flooding and food insecurity are affecting communities across Sudan.
The crisis also shows how humanitarian responses can become vulnerable when funding falls even though needs remain high. Find NZ continues to bring readers important international developments and human stories that help explain major issues happening around the world. Keep following Find NZ for clear, useful coverage of events that matter beyond New Zealand.
