Wed Mar 05 20:53:48 UTC 2025: ## US Aid Freeze Exacerbates Sudan’s Catastrophic Hunger Crisis

**Khartoum, Sudan** – The suspension of US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding is dramatically worsening Sudan’s already devastating hunger crisis, leaving millions on the brink of starvation, according to aid workers and UN officials.

The Trump administration’s decision to pause nearly all USAID global projects, including a significant portion of Sudan’s humanitarian aid, has had a crippling effect. Last year, USAID provided 44% of the $1.8 billion humanitarian response in Sudan. This included vital support for Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs), local groups operating hundreds of community kitchens across the country. The funding halt led to the closure of approximately 80% of these kitchens, leaving hundreds of thousands reliant on them without food.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has already severely hampered aid delivery. The UN’s recognition of the SAF as the de facto government further complicates matters, requiring all aid to be channeled through Port Sudan, making distribution to remote regions extremely difficult. Bureaucratic hurdles imposed by the SAF and alleged obstruction of aid to RSF-controlled areas are also significant obstacles. The RSF is additionally accused of looting markets and robbing civilians, further exacerbating the crisis.

While some organizations received waivers to continue life-saving services, many were later revoked, leaving aid groups in chaos and confusion. ERRs are attempting to fill the gap through local fundraising and appeals to the Sudanese diaspora, but their efforts are insufficient to meet the overwhelming need.

The UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reports over 600,000 people are experiencing famine-level hunger, with an additional eight million at risk. Unless significant funding is rapidly secured, aid workers warn of a catastrophic rise in starvation and malnutrition-related deaths, potentially affecting up to 1.8 million people who rely on the now-shuttered community kitchens. ERRs are now appealing to the European Union and other UN agencies to step in and prevent widespread famine.

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