Sudan Famine Warning: Millions Face Hunger, Aid Access Urged
Washington: Several countries, including the United States and Canada, have issued a famine warning for Sudan, where close to 20 million people are struggling to obtain sufficient food.
A joint statement released by the US State Department on Monday said 41 percent of Sudan's population, or about 19.5 million people, faces severe food insecurity. Of them, 5 million are dealing with emergency-level hunger.
The warning, issued on October 23, has received backing from European governments, Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Commission.
Signatories cautioned that if international assistance fails to reach needy communities in the months ahead, the situation may get significantly worse.
'It is no longer possible to delay action if we are to save lives and stop famine,' the statement read.
Authorities warned that if conditions deteriorate further, the number of children suffering from severe malnutrition could surpass the estimated 825,000. The number of areas facing severe food insecurity, initially put at 14, could also double.
The figures come from international food security assessments cited in the statement.
According to the joint statement, the ongoing armed conflict is the principal cause of Sudan's food crisis. Millions have been displaced, critical infrastructure has been destroyed, and health services, agricultural output, food distribution networks and local markets have been badly hit.
The governments said humanitarian aid restrictions and unfavorable weather have made the situation worse. They also referred to El Nino, which has cut rainfall across more than half the country and kept drought conditions in place.
International partners have urged all sides in the conflict to let humanitarian organizations work safely at front lines and across international borders. They specifically called for air access to Darfur, where insecurity and logistical constraints are complicating relief operations.
Such access, the statement said, would help aid groups rush emergency materials to affected people and safely evacuate humanitarian staff who require medical care.
The governments also asked for administrative barriers that slow relief work to be removed. These include lengthy visa procedures, customs clearance delays, additional travel permits and tax-related needs that affect aid agencies' operations.
They requested longer visa validity and simpler travel approvals so that humanitarian workers can continue their work uninterrupted.
The signatories further urged armed groups not to attack civilian infrastructure, particularly agricultural centers and food production systems. Governments also demanded an urgent increase in international humanitarian funding to contain the crisis.
Development banks and financial institutions were asked to change their programs to tackle Sudan's worsening food security. Special emphasis was placed on supporting the winter crop season, which could help revive agricultural production and reduce dependence on emergency food aid.
The statement also called for stronger locally based humanitarian efforts. The governments stated that the parties to the conflict have the main responsibility to protect civilians and ensure that aid reaches people in need.
Sudan has been embroiled in fighting since April 2023. The conflict has devastated several regions, forced millions of citizens to flee and severely undermined public services. Darfur is among the most affected areas due to violence, displacement and restrictions on humanitarian activities.