19.5 million Sudanese face hunger as 33 governments warn of famine
The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and 32 governments have called for immediate international intervention, warning that conflict, obstruction of humanitarian aid and worsening drought are deepening an already catastrophic food crisis.
At least 19.5 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity, with international governments warning that the country risks sliding into a devastating famine unless urgent humanitarian assistance reaches millions of vulnerable civilians.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and 32 governments have called for immediate international intervention, warning that conflict, obstruction of humanitarian aid and worsening drought are deepening an already catastrophic food crisis.
In a joint statement, the signatories said approximately 41 per cent of Sudan’s population was experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, including five million people facing emergency levels of hunger.
They warned that the situation was deteriorating rapidly, with the number of food-insecure areas expected to double from the 14 initially identified in the assessment by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
Without immediate intervention, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000, further increasing pressure on an overstretched humanitarian response.
“There is no time to lose to save lives and prevent famine,” the statement said, calling for urgent action to reverse the worsening food security situation.
The signatories attributed the crisis primarily to the conflict, which has displaced millions of people, destroyed critical infrastructure and disrupted healthcare services, agricultural production, supply chains and markets.
The situation has been compounded by what they described as systematic obstruction of humanitarian assistance and the effects of El Niño, which have contributed to reduced rainfall and increased drought across more than half of Sudan.
The governments stressed that the parties to the conflict bore primary responsibility for alleviating civilian suffering and urged them to remove restrictions preventing humanitarian organisations from delivering life-saving assistance.
They called for full, safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected communities, alongside guarantees for the protection of aid workers operating under increasingly dangerous conditions.
Among their key demands was the authorisation of humanitarian operations through all cross-line and cross-border routes, including air access into Darfur, to accelerate aid deliveries and facilitate timely medical evacuations of humanitarian personnel.
The parties were also urged to address bureaucratic obstacles delaying relief operations by expediting visa processing and customs clearance, extending visas and travel permits, and eliminating additional permits, taxes and administrative requirements that slow the movement of aid.
The statement further called for an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure, particularly agricultural facilities and food systems that sustain livelihoods and provide essential services to vulnerable populations.
Improved civil-military coordination was also identified as critical to protecting humanitarian personnel and aid facilities and ensuring assistance reaches those most in need.
Further, the signatories called on the international community to urgently increase humanitarian funding to match the escalating needs, warning that existing efforts risk falling short as hunger spreads.
“In the face of a potential famine, we call on all members of the international community to urgently scale up funding in response to increased needs and support efforts to ensure assistance reaches those most in need,” the statement said.
Development and financial institutions were also urged to adjust their ongoing programmes to reflect Sudan’s deteriorating food security situation and prioritise areas facing the greatest needs.
The governments called for support for the winter cropping season and locally led initiatives to restore food production, strengthen community resilience and prevent further deterioration in living conditions.
They expressed solidarity with the Sudanese people and humanitarian organisations continuing to provide life-saving assistance despite insecurity, restricted access and severe operational challenges.
The signatories said coordinated international action was urgently needed to expand assistance, protect humanitarian operations and avert famine before conditions deteriorate further.
