In five countries with comparable data since 2016 (Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, the Sudan and Uganda), the number of people in Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) has tripled from 13.9 million in 2016 to 41.7 million in 2025. The Sudan remains the region’s largest and most severe food crisis with Famine (IPC Phase 5) in multiple areas. From December 2024 to May 2025, 24.6 million people or 51 percent of the population were projected in IPC Phase 3 or above due to the devastating impacts of conflict.

• South Sudan continues to have the region’s highest share of its population in IPC Phase 3 or above, at 57 percent from April to July 2025. The number of people needing urgent assistance increased by 9 percent since the 2024 peak to 7.7 million largely due to the effects of conflict and insecurity.
• In Somalia, 4.6 million people faced IPC Phase 3 or above from April to June 2025, a 4 percent increase since 2024, driven by displacement due to conflict and drought, with reduced humanitarian funding as contributing factor.
• In Kenya, 2.8 million people were projected in IPC Phase 3 or above from April to June 2025 – a deterioration since 2024 based on a forecast poor March to May 2025 rainfall season. While the rains ultimately improved pasture and water availability in some areas, erratic distribution and dry spells disrupted crop production in agropastoral areas.
• In Djibouti, all three refugee camps were projected to shift from IPC Phase 3 to IPC Phase 4 in July to December 2025 due to economic challenges and climate shocks, amid decreasing assistance. Overall, 0.2 million people need urgent food and livelihood assistance.