The United Nations Food Agency Warns of Widespread Starvation in Sudan
The United Nations food agency has issued a stark warning to the warring parties in Sudan, highlighting the serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and other regions if humanitarian aid is not allowed to reach those in need. The World Food Programme’s regional spokesperson, Leni Kinzli, emphasized the urgent need for access to conflict hotspots in Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where the situation is dire.
Sudan has been embroiled in chaos since mid-April 2023, with escalating tensions between the military and paramilitary forces leading to street battles in the capital, Khartoum. The violence has since spread to other parts of the country, including urban areas and the Darfur region. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, have gained control of most of Darfur and are besieging El Fasher, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are seeking refuge.
Kinzli highlighted the critical humanitarian needs in Darfur, where crop production has plummeted due to violence and insecurity. The lean season between harvests is exacerbating the situation, with many families running out of food stocks and resorting to extreme measures to survive. Reports of malnourished children and elderly individuals living in dire conditions underscore the urgency of the situation.
The lack of access for humanitarian organizations like the World Food Programme is further complicating efforts to deliver aid to those in need. Restrictions imposed by Sudanese authorities have hindered the delivery of essential supplies to conflict-affected areas, leaving over 700,000 people in Darfur without access to vital assistance. The recent killing of aid workers in South Darfur has further underscored the dangers faced by humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
Kinzli called for a concerted diplomatic effort by the international community to pressure the warring parties to provide access and safety guarantees for humanitarian staff and convoys. She emphasized the need for unrestricted access and security guarantees to deliver assistance to those most in need, particularly in besieged areas like El Fasher.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created an unprecedented hunger crisis, with nearly 28 million people facing food insecurity across Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad. The situation is dire, and without immediate action, the risk of widespread starvation and death looms large. The international community must come together to address this crisis and ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.
In conclusion, the situation in Sudan is dire, with millions of people at risk of starvation and death if urgent action is not taken. The international community must prioritize efforts to provide access to humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas like Darfur and ensure the safety of aid workers on the ground. Only through collective action can we prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan and alleviate the suffering of those most vulnerable.