Sudan is facing a severe food security crisis, with an estimated 19.5 million people, or 41 percent of the population, experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has warned of the risk of famine in the coming months, emphasizing the need for urgent action to save lives and prevent widespread hunger. The crisis is attributed to conflict, which has displaced millions, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted healthcare, food production, and supply chains.
The situation is being exacerbated by the effects of El Niño, which has resulted in reduced rainfall and increased drought across over half of Sudan. The number of food insecure areas, initially assessed at 14, is expected to double, and without immediate action, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000. The international community has expressed deep concern over the crisis, with the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, and governments from over 30 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia, calling for urgent action.
Conflict is the key driver of Sudan's hunger crisis, with the parties to the conflict bearing primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. The international community is urging the parties to lift all impediments on humanitarian assistance, allow and facilitate full, safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access, and protect humanitarian personnel. This includes authorizing humanitarian operations through all crossline and cross-border routes, sustaining presence and protection of humanitarian personnel, and refraining from strikes on civilian infrastructure.
The international community has outlined specific actions to address the crisis, including authorizing humanitarian operations through all crossline and cross-border routes, including air access into Darfur. This will allow for the rapid deployment of aid operations and timely aid worker medical evacuations. Additionally, the parties are urged to sustain presence and protection of humanitarian personnel throughout Sudan, reducing delays for visas and customs clearance, and removing bureaucratic requirements slowing aid delivery.
The crisis has significant implications for the humanitarian response, with the ability to address famine risk being hampered by impediments on humanitarian assistance. The international community is calling on all members to urgently scale up funding in response to increased needs and support efforts to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. Development and financial institutions are also encouraged to adapt their ongoing programs to the food security situation and focus on areas of greatest need.
The situation in Sudan requires immediate attention, with the risk of famine and widespread hunger posing a significant threat to the lives of millions. The international community is urging the parties to the conflict to take immediate action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and allow for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The crisis has significant implications for regional stability and global food security, emphasizing the need for urgent and collective action.
The international community stands with the people of Sudan and humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to provide life-saving assistance. Together, they must act without delay to avert famine by supporting the winter cropping season and strengthening locally led responses. The crisis in Sudan requires a coordinated and sustained response, with all parties working together to address the root causes of the crisis and prevent further humanitarian suffering.
Key points
- 19.5 million people in Sudan face high levels of acute food insecurity.
- Conflict and El Niño are exacerbating the crisis.
- Urgent action is needed to prevent famine and widespread hunger.
