**Sudan Aid Networks at Risk of Collapse, UN Agencies Warn**
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a stark warning regarding the precarious state of Sudan's humanitarian aid networks, indicating that they are on the brink of collapse. This warning comes in the wake of ongoing conflict, heavy rains, and widespread displacement that threaten to disrupt emergency relief efforts in the country.
The IOM's statement highlights the critical situation facing Sudan, where the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, over 200,000 people have reportedly died, leading to what has been described as the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis.
Amy Pope, the IOM’s director general, 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.” She underscored the necessity of immediate donor support to prevent the depletion of essential shelter and aid supplies, which are projected to run out by the end of the month.
The IOM has been a crucial player in providing aid, having reached approximately 2.8 million people since July 2023 through a network of nearly 100 national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). However, this reach is diminishing due to significant cuts in funding, which have come at a time when the humanitarian needs in Sudan are at an all-time high.
Currently, there are 8.6 million internally displaced persons in Sudan, with many facing dire conditions exacerbated by ongoing violence and the impacts of heavy rains. The IOM has indicated that the operational capacity of its warehouses, which are vital for maintaining the aid pipeline, can only be sustained until the end of the year without additional funding.
The financial situation is critical. The IOM estimates that it requires $15 million to maintain its operations for a year to support 305,000 people, and $42 million to restore aid levels to those seen in 2024. This funding shortfall is echoed in reports from the World Food Programme (WFP), which has seen its funding drop by nearly half this year. WFP’s acting executive director, Carl Skau, noted that while access to affected areas was previously the primary challenge, the current lack of funding is preventing the organization from fully utilizing its presence on the ground.
In addition to the humanitarian crisis, violence continues to plague Sudan. Recent reports indicate that at least four civilians were killed, and several others were wounded in RSF drone attacks in Damazin, the capital of the Blue Nile region. These attacks targeted civilian infrastructure, including fuel stations, further complicating the already dire situation for those in need of assistance.
As the conflict persists and the rainy season exacerbates conditions for displaced populations, the IOM and other humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent action from the international community. Without immediate financial support and a coordinated response, the risk of a complete breakdown of Sudan’s humanitarian aid networks looms large, with devastating implications for millions of vulnerable individuals across the country.