The United Nations food agency has reported an alarming increase in the number of hungry people in Sudan, with reports of individuals dying of starvation as the ongoing conflict impedes access to essential aid. Eddie Rowe, the World Food Programme’s (WFP’s) Sudan representative and country director, described the situation as “catastrophic,” emphasizing the devastating impact of the war on civilians’ ability to access necessary resources.
The conflict has resulted in nearly 18 million people in Sudan facing acute hunger, with over five million experiencing emergency levels of hunger in the areas most severely affected by the war. The WFP has food available in Sudan, but challenges related to humanitarian access and other obstacles are hampering their operations, hindering the delivery of life-saving assistance to those in urgent need.
The organization has called upon Sudan’s warring factions, including the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to ensure unhindered delivery of relief. However, limited aid deliveries have led to dire situations, with only one in 10 people in conflict areas receiving assistance from the WFP.
According to Leni Kinzli, head of communications at the WFP Sudan, individuals facing the highest levels of hunger are resorting to extreme measures to acquire food, including selling their possessions. The agency has been confronted with challenges in delivering aid across conflict lines, as security guarantees and approvals to move commodities freely have been elusive.
The WFP’s efforts have been further impeded by logistical obstacles, such as delays in obtaining necessary clearances for the movement of aid supplies. As a result, aid deliveries have been restricted, exacerbating the plight of those affected by the conflict.
The number of hungry people in Sudan has more than doubled from a year ago, with nearly eight million individuals forced from their homes due to the ongoing war. Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, substantial progress remains elusive.
The situation in Sudan serves as an urgent call to the international community to support the people of Sudan and facilitate the delivery of essential aid into the country. As the crisis continues to unfold, humanitarian organizations are seeking immediate action to alleviate the suffering and address the growing humanitarian needs of the affected population.
