The United States, the European Union and 30 other countries have warned of an “alarming deterioration” in food security in Sudan. They called for “urgent action” to prevent famine.
In a joint statement released by the US State Department on Monday, the signatories urged the groups fighting in Sudan’s civil war “to lift all impediments on humanitarian assistance”. The signatories included Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management.”
Sudan is experiencing an alarming deterioration in its food security. The risk of famine in the coming months, as warned by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, needs urgent action,” the statement said. “The parties to the conflict bear primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”
Sudan’s army has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. A dispute over how to integrate the two forces erupted into clashes in the capital, Khartoum. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 13 million. It has created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
In June, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a United Nations-backed hunger monitor, said 5.1 million people in Sudan faced severe hunger. It added that a drought linked to El Nino had pushed up food prices and cut supplies this year. Farmers have struggled to harvest crops since the war began.
