World Vision statement on the attacks on critical infrastructure in Sudan

NAIROBI (May 9, 2025) – Christian humanitarian organization World Vision warns that the multiple drone attacks in recent days on the humanitarian hub of Port Sudan, as well as the cities of Kassala and Nyalain in Sudan, are hindering efforts to deliver lifesaving aid to millions of people, including vulnerable children. 

These cities have been attacked over consecutive days, with strikes hitting critical infrastructure such as airports, the seaport of Port Sudan, fuel storage facilities, and the power network. 

The strikes threaten the safety of aid organizations operating in the country.  Port Sudan is home to key U.N. agencies and other humanitarian organizations, many having relocated there following the outbreak of conflict in the capital of Khartoum in April 2023.  

Port Sudan is a distribution hub for food and other emergency supplies to other parts of the country and was considered safe until the recent attacks. The airport, which was the entry route for aid and humanitarian workers, has been significantly damaged, and flights are severely disrupted. 

World Vision’s Sudan office is based in Port Sudan. All World Vision staff are accounted for in the wake of the attacks, but the situation is being closely monitored. 

 More than 30 million people across Sudan — over half of the population — are in need of humanitarian assistance, with escalating hunger, sexual violence, and mental health needs creating one of the world’s most severe — and most neglected — humanitarian emergencies.  

Over 25.6 million people face crisis or higher levels of food insecurity and 755,000 face catastrophic levels (highest food insecurity rating) and imminent risk of death without aid.  With the forced displacement of over 12 million people across the region, Sudan is the world’s largest child displacement crisis, as well as its largest hunger crisis. 

  “These attacks on Port Sudan, Kassala and Nyala – and indeed any attacks on civilian infrastructure – hamper our ability to respond to the  urgent needs that Sudanese children and families are facing,” said Simon Mane, World Vision’s national director in Sudan. “We echo the call of the U.N. for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and call on all parties to allow us safe and continuing access to people in desperate need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. We also urge the international community to take decisive action  to end this conflict, to protect children and all civilians.” 

As one of the largest humanitarian organizations in Sudan, and despite the current complexity of the security situation, World Vision is committed to remaining in the country to provide  critical programs serving children and their families. 

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.