Military Expels UN Officials Amid Growing Crisis in Sudan

Thu Oct 30 2025 17:07:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As conflict escalates in Sudan, the military government has ordered the expulsion of top UN food aid officials amidst a worsening famine affecting millions.

Sudan's military government has expelled two high-ranking officials from the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), marking a grave escalation in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The action comes as the country grapples with a dire famine, with over 24 million people facing acute food insecurity due to a brutal civil war. This military decision follows a significant loss for the armed forces, as paramilitary groups captured the city of el-Fasher, raising fears of atrocities and worsening the plight of civilians.

Sudan's military government has ordered two senior officials at the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) to leave the country amid widespread famine sparked by a gruelling civil war that erupted in April 2023.

The WFP said directors of its Sudan operation were declared personae non grata and told to go within 72 hours, without explanation.

This decision comes just days after the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) captured the key city of el-Fasher in Darfur after an 18-month siege that involved a food blockade.

The WFP expressed that the expulsions occur at a pivotal time as humanitarian needs in Sudan have never been greater, with more than 24 million people facing acute food insecurity.

While the military government has not specified reasons for the expulsions, it has previously condemned aid organizations for allegedly disregarding local laws and releasing misleading famine reports.

The government insists that the expulsion will not impact the nation's partnership with the WFP, as stated by the state news agency Suna. However, the WFP is actively engaging with Sudanese authorities to seek resolution.

The situation remains critical, especially in el-Fasher, where reports highlight atrocities including mass killings, raising alarms from international bodies.

As this conflict intensifies, urgent humanitarian efforts are essential to protect the affected populations at risk of hunger and violence.