The International Organization for Migration warns that Sudan's humanitarian aid network could collapse by year-end due to severe funding shortages and escalating conflict.
The humanitarian infrastructure in Sudan is currently teetering on the edge of total collapse, according to urgent warnings issued Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continues to escalate, the vital systems responsible for delivering life-saving relief are facing an imminent shutdown. This crisis is exacerbated of the largest displacement crises in modern history.
Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, the scale of destruction has been immense. Estimates from aid workers suggest that the death toll has surpassed 200,000 individuals, while millions have been forced from their homes. The IOM’s Common Humanitarian Pipeline, which serves as a critical artery for distributing emergency supplies, is now effectively running out of resources. Without a sudden and significant influx of international financial support, the ability to provide shelter and essential goods will likely cease
The core issue driving this potential failure is a sharp and dangerous decline in global donor funding. While the needs of the Sudanese population have reached unprecedented levels, the financial capacity of international agencies to meet those needs has withered. Amy Pope, the Director General of the IOM, has issued a stark warning that the humanitarian system could effectively dissolve within weeks if the international community fails to intervene with immediate, substantial contributions.
The financial requirements to maintain these operations are significant but represent a fraction of the global humanitarian budget. To sustain current operations for approximately 305,000 people, the IOM requires $15 million. However, to restore the level of aid delivery that was achieved in 2024, the agency estimates it would need $42 million. This funding gap is not unique to the IOM; other major organizations, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), are witnessing a similar trend. The WFP reported that its funding has plummeted from $645 million last year to just $206 million so far this year.
The logistical challenges of providing aid in Sudan are compounded rains and widespread flooding have destroyed existing shelters, leaving millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) without protection. With approximately 8.6 million people now internally displaced, the constant movement of vulnerable populations makes the delivery of aid increasingly complex and resource-intensive.
Despite these obstacles, the IOM’s network—which involves nearly 100 national and international non-governmental organizations—has managed to support roughly 2.8 million people since July 2023. However, the geographic and operational reach of this network is shrinking rapidly. As resources dwindle, organizations are forced to make impossible choices about which regions to prioritize, leaving vast swathes of the population without access to basic necessities during an active conflict.
Beyond the financial constraints, the security environment remains a major impediment to humanitarian efforts. While funding has emerged as the primary challenge in recent months, physical access to vulnerable populations remains a persistent threat. The ongoing drone attacks, such as the recent strikes on the capital of the Blue Nile region, Damazin, highlight the volatility of the situation. These attacks often target civilian infrastructure, further complicating the efforts of aid agencies to maintain supply lines.
