The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that Sudan’s aid network is at risk of collapse without immediate donations. The IOM stated that shelter and aid relief supplies could be depleted by the end of the month due to ongoing fighting, heavy rains, and continued displacement affecting the delivery of emergency relief through its Common Humanitarian Pipeline.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 200,000 deaths and has created a significant hunger and displacement crisis. IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The entire humanitarian system could collapse within weeks if we don’t act now. Without new funding, we won’t be able to get help where it’s needed most."
The IOM indicated that its operational capacity is only sustainable until the end of the year without new donor support. Currently, 8.6 million people are internally displaced in Sudan, with ongoing violence and adverse weather conditions damaging shelters. Since July 2023, IOM has provided aid to 2.8 million people, but its reach is diminishing due to reduced funding.
To support 305,000 people for a year, the IOM estimates it needs $15 million, and $42 million is required to return to the aid levels of 2024. Funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Sudan has also decreased significantly, with acting head Carl Skau noting that while access was previously the main challenge, the lack of funding is now limiting their operational capacity. Last year, WFP received $645 million, but funding this year has only reached $206 million.
In related violence, at least four civilians were reported killed and several others wounded in RSF drone attacks on Damazin, Blue Nile region, targeting civilian infrastructure and fuel stations, according to a senior Sudanese military official.