UN warns of looming famine in Sudan, Gaza and 3 other global hunger hotspots
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Displaced families in Sudan rely on limited food distributions amid rising hunger and famine risks, worsened by armed conflict.
UN Warns of Looming Famine in Sudan, Gaza and Three Other Crisis Zones
World Food Programme flags Sudan, South Sudan, Gaza, Mali, and Haiti as top hunger hotspots, urges urgent global response.
The United Nations has raised a red flag over five crisis zones at imminent risk of famine, warning that without immediate intervention, millions could face starvation and death in the coming months.
In a joint Hunger Hotspots report released Monday by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 13 global locations were identified as hunger emergencies, with Sudan, South Sudan, Palestine (Gaza), Mali, and Haiti at the highest level of concern.
“There’s an ongoing famine in Sudan and a growing risk of famine in Gaza. All are driven by conflict and restricted humanitarian access,” said Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP’s Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis.
Sudan: Conflict and Famine
In Sudan, nearly 25 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity due to the protracted conflict between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Mass displacement, widespread violence, and lack of humanitarian access have created famine conditions in several areas.
Gaza: Humanitarian Access Blocked
The report describes the situation in Gaza as “dire,” citing large-scale military operations that have crippled humanitarian efforts. The entire population faces acute food insecurity, with a significant risk of famine unless aid access improves rapidly.
South Sudan: Climate and Political Strain
In South Sudan, about 60% of the population is projected to experience food insecurity between April and July, due to a combination of political instability, economic collapse, and extreme weather events such as floods.
Mali and Haiti: Violence and Insecurity
In Mali, soaring grain prices and insurgent activity are pushing vulnerable communities beyond their capacity to cope. Meanwhile, Haiti’s ongoing gang violence and insecurity have displaced thousands and severely limited food and aid distribution. Over 8,400 displaced persons are already classified at Catastrophe-level hunger.
Aid Shortfalls Threaten Relief
The UN warns that funding gaps and access restrictions are compounding the crisis. As resources shrink, aid rations are being cut, and fewer people are receiving assistance.
“This means reduced humanitarian reach in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions,” Bauer noted.
Other Hotspots and Improvements
Other countries listed as hotspots of very high concern include Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, and Nigeria. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria remain on the watchlist.
However, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the list, showing signs of improved food security.
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