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UN spokesperson says famine has spread in Sudan and humanitarian access remains blocked
Summary
The U.N. spokesperson told reporters that famine confirmed last year in Zamzam camp has spread to parts of Darfur and Khordofan, that 17 areas are now at risk, and that fighting and blockades continue to prevent aid delivery.
United Nations spokesperson told reporters that famine confirmed in August 2024 at Zamzam camp has spread to additional areas in Darfur and Khordofan and that 17 areas are currently classified as at risk of famine.
The spokesperson said humanitarian access to parts of Sudan remains hindered by fighting and blockades and that attacks on relief convoys have further constrained deliveries. "The conflict in itself is the number 1 culprit in the dire humanitarian situation," the spokesperson said.
Why it matters: the expansion of famine-risk areas and continued access problems increase the number of people exposed to severe food insecurity and complicate international relief operations.
Details: the spokesperson said humanitarian partners reported that some locations remain "cut off from humanitarian assistance." The World Food Programme has described coping methods including residents reportedly surviving on animal fodder and food waste, and WFP is providing digital cash support to roughly a quarter million people in one city to buy food in local markets.
Reporters asked for numerical breakdowns of populations affected; the spokesperson said exact counts are difficult because frontline access is limited and noted recorded numbers may undercount additional deaths or people in need.
Context and next steps: the spokesperson repeated calls for all parties to end the violence and to allow unimpeded humanitarian access. No formal U.N. resolution or new operational timetable was announced during the briefing.
Closing note: reporters were told that U.N. agencies continue to monitor and attempt to negotiate access where fighting and blockades permit deliveries.
