Khartoum: Sudan has once again been named the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, topping the latest global emergency watchlist released by the International Rescue Committee. It is the third year in a row that Sudan has held this position, reflecting the scale of suffering caused by nearly three years of conflict and the rapid collapse of basic services.
The watchlist highlights countries where people face the greatest risk due to war, displacement, hunger and lack of aid. Sudan ranked first ahead of the Palestinian territories, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Haiti. According to the report, these countries together account for a small share of the world’s population but nearly all people in urgent humanitarian need.
The crisis in Sudan is driven by ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The war has destroyed homes, hospitals, schools and markets, forcing millions of people to flee their towns and villages. Many families have been displaced more than once, often moving without food, money or access to clean water.
Humanitarian agencies warn that hunger is spreading fast. The World Food Programme has said it will be forced to reduce food rations from early next year because of severe funding shortages. Even people facing famine conditions are expected to receive less than what they need to survive. Aid workers say this will hit children, pregnant women and the elderly the hardest.
Parts of Darfur remain among the worst affected areas. Prolonged fighting and sieges have cut off entire communities from food and medical help. Thousands of people have fled violence around major towns, while others remain trapped with little protection. Reports from the region speak of killings, kidnappings and widespread fear among civilians.
The conflict is also affecting neighbouring countries. Attacks on key infrastructure and continued instability threaten trade routes and regional economies, adding pressure to already fragile states nearby. Aid agencies say the longer the war continues, the harder it will be to prevent long term damage to the region.
The International Rescue Committee has warned that the global response is not keeping pace with the scale of the crisis. It says international attention is stretched by multiple conflicts worldwide, while funding for humanitarian aid is falling. Without urgent action, the group cautions that 2026 could see even higher civilian suffering in Sudan and other crisis hit countries.
Despite diplomatic efforts and targeted sanctions by some countries, there has been little progress toward a ceasefire. Humanitarian organisations continue to call on the international community to increase funding, protect civilians and push harder for a political solution.
For millions of Sudanese families, daily life remains a struggle for food, safety and dignity. Aid workers say that without sustained global support, the country risks slipping deeper into one of the worst humanitarian disasters of modern times.