Hunger and Desperation in War-Torn Sudan
In the bustling city of Omdurman, Sudan, hunger has become a constant companion for millions. This sprawling metropolis, home to over two million people, is just one of many urban centers reeling under the devastating effects of a brutal civil war. The conflict has engulfed the country, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and an unprecedented level of human suffering. For the poorest of the poor, particularly those trapped in active war zones, the specter of famine looms large. Even in the heart of cities like Omdurman, soup kitchens have popped up on street corners, a stark reminder of how desperation has seeped into every layer of society. Professionals, once part of a thriving middle class, now stand in line for food handouts, their dignity bruised but their survival at stake. Among them is Mohammed Hamad, an electrical engineer who once ran a lucrative business but now finds himself unable to provide for his family. "We rely on God and aid," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of defeat.
The collapse of Sudan’s economy has been rapid and catastrophic. The ongoing civil war has brought all economic activity to a grinding halt, leaving millions without work or income. Mohammed Hamad’s story is not unique. Like many others, he has seen his once-stable life unravel as the conflict rages on. The soup kitchen he visits provides one small meal a day for him and his family of six, but the reliance on charity cuts deep into his pride. "It breaks my heart," he confessed. "I can’t provide food or even medicine if they are sick. Sometimes we make our own medicine from ingredients we have at home." When his wife fell ill with a lung infection, he couldn’t even afford transportation to take her to the hospital. This painful reality is a far cry from the life he once knew, where he was the provider and breadwinner for his family.
Soup kitchens like the one Hamad depends on have become a lifeline for many, but their existence is tenuous at best. Many of these operations were initially funded by the United States, but nearly 80% of them shut down after President Trump suspended U.S. foreign aid to Sudan. The consequences of this decision have been dire. Even the few hospitals still functioning, such as Al Noa, the largest hospital in Omdurman, have been affected. Located just 12 miles from the front lines in the capital city of Khartoum, Al Noa has been hit by rockets multiple times during the nearly two-year war. Makeshift tents have been set up outside to handle the overflow of patients, and medical staff are stretched to the limit. Inside the hospital, CBS News found patients being treated on the floor because there were no beds available. Despite the challenges, Dr. Jamal Mohammad, the head of the hospital, has remained determined to save lives.
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid has dealt a devastating blow to Sudan’s already fragile humanitarian situation. Before the aid was cut off, medical staff at Al Noa were already struggling to cope with scarce resources. Painkillers, bandages, and life-saving equipment were in short supply, and the situation has only grown more desperate since the aid was withdrawn. Dr. Mohammad expressed his frustration, stating, "I don’t know what’s behind that decision of President Trump, but I think it’s going to increase and deepen the suffering of our people. We are the forgotten war." His words echo the sentiment of many in Sudan, who feel abandoned by the international community as they struggle to survive one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history.
The impact of the aid withdrawal extends far beyond Sudan’s borders. Former U.S. Ambassador to the African Union, Jesseye Lapenn, warned that the sudden and drastic reduction in aid could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. interests and global partnerships. "What we’re seeing now is, I fear, going to mean a lack of respect for the United States, an undermining of U.S. interests, and certainly real negative impacts on the ground for African partners," she said. Lapenn emphasized that U.S. aid is not just charity but a strategic investment in building relationships and stability around the world. Without this support, some countries may be forced to turn to other nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Russia, or Saudi Arabia, which are already vying for influence in Sudan.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for $6 billion in emergency funding to address the worsening hunger in Sudan. Cindy McCain, head of the U.N.’s World Food Program, described the situation as the "worst hunger catastrophe" the organization has ever faced. She warned that "humanitarian services are at the brink" and pleaded for immediate action, asserting that "the global community must act now — lives depend on it." In the meantime, medical staff like Dr. Jamal Mohammad continue their heroic efforts to save lives, even as they struggle with limited resources.
In the midst of this chaos, there is still hope. Dr. Mohammad, a leading orthopedic surgeon before the war, has dedicated himself to running the beleaguered Al Noa hospital. He has lost everything — his home, his private practice, his savings — but he remains committed to his oath as a doctor. When CBS News met him, he was preparing to operate on a young boy named Akram, whose leg had been shattered by shrapnel. Despite the odds, the surgery was a success, and Akram will once again be able to play soccer. "It’s my oath," Dr. Mohammad said simply, explaining why he stayed behind in his war-torn country. "To save lives." His unwavering dedication is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of times.
