An update from NEF’s program officer for Sudan: 

In April 2023, a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into violent conflict in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. The conflict quickly spread to other regions in the country, becoming a war that has devastated the country for 21 months. The ongoing war has led to more than one hundred thousand deaths, the displacement of over 12 million people, food insecurity for more than 26 million people (half of Sudan’s population), and famine for an estimated one million people.   

Near East Foundation (NEF) has worked in Sudan since 1978, building local capacity in agricultural production and working with a vast network of civil society partners to support communities affected by conflict and climate-related crises. Since the onset of the war in 2023, NEF’s emergency relief efforts, recovery initiatives, and resilience programming have provided essential services.  

NEF’s team in Sudan is currently working to address the substantial needs in critically impacted areas, such as Al Jazirah, Kassala, North Kordofan, South Kordofan, and White Nile states. Through community-centered approaches, NEF empowers local leaders and community groups and rapidly deploys resources to deliver context-specific solutions.   

In the last year, NEF’s support has included:  

• Increasing agricultural production and processing with 22,200 farmers in hard-to-reach communities that are struggling with food insecurity  

• Expanding access to finance for livelihood investments with more than 5,800 displacement-affected households  

• Improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities for 38,389 people through water point rehabilitation and latrine construction   

• Delivering power to two hospitals through solar-powered electrical systems that support emergency response rooms  

• Providing medical supplies to mobile health clinics, supporting survivors of gender-based violence  

Despite widespread food insecurity and famine affecting millions across Sudan, NEF’s program participants have reported an improved ability to meet their household needs due to project interventions, even amid the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.   

In 2025, NEF plans to expand its operations in Sudan, focusing on new areas with high levels of displacement and significant agricultural potential. The expansion aims to boost local food production, foster self-reliance, and strengthen community resilience.