When the world retreats: Volunteers are filling Sudan’s humanitarian void
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Volunteer groups are stepping in to fill the void left by dwindling international aid in Sudan, where two years of civil war have displaced millions and pushed hundreds of thousands into overcrowded cities. As global donors cut funding, local initiatives like For Cost, a neighborhood committee in Kosti, have taken on the responsibility of providing shelter, food, and basic healthcare to displaced families. These efforts highlight the growing reliance on community-driven support as international humanitarian infrastructure has shrunk.
The situation in Sudan is dire: nearly half the population faces hunger, and displacement continues to strain urban centers like Khartoum and Kosti. Noha Kamal, a diabetic mother of three, fled South Kordofan amid fighting and found herself without access to medication or a UN reception center. Instead, local volunteers converted government schools into temporary shelters, funded by Sudanese expatriates, to provide relief. Such efforts are replicated across the country, with hundreds of committees now supporting displaced populations.
The decline in international aid is catastrophic for a crisis described as one of the deadliest of our time. The UN’s 2026 humanitarian appeal was slashed to $23 billion after Western donors reduced their contributions, leaving a massive gap in assistance. This has forced local communities to take the lead, with volunteers distributing meals and organizing health campaigns to address the growing needs. These initiatives not only ease the burden on displaced families but also foster a culture of cooperation and resilience.
The crisis underscores the urgent need for sustained global support to prevent further suffering. Without adequate international aid, the reliance on local volunteers will continue, leaving vulnerable populations at greater risk. The situation in Sudan highlights the importance of maintaining humanitarian funding and collaboration to address one of the world’s most pressing crises.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026