The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens more than 80 per cent of Sudan’s wheat imports, an aid group warns, exacerbating economic and humanitarian crises that deepened after last year’s military takeover.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted grain shipments from the two countries, which together account for nearly 30 per cent of global wheat exports, threatening short food supply and social upheaval in many countries
Sudan, a third world country, is poised to suffer the most from the consequences, where a military coup in October led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan sparked fresh turmoil and saw Western donor countries cut aid.
Sudan is in a special position since 85-87 per cent of its wheat imports come from Russia and Ukraine together, said David Wright, chief operating officer at Save the Children.
He added that by year-end almost 20 million people, or almost half the country, risk being food insecure.
In addition to international aid cuts, the northeast African nation was also facing economic turmoil which resulted in a devaluation of its currency and a rise in fuel and food prices.
In recent months, bread prices in Sudan have increased by 10 times, causing the turmoil and mass rallies that led to the ouster of veteran President Omar al-Bashir in 2019.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, farmland there has been turned into battlefields and agricultural workers into soldiers. Shipments going abroad through port cities that have become combat zones have been frozen.
In the meantime, Russia’s exports have been frozen by sweeping international sanctions, resulting in a shortage of food staples such as wheat, barley, and corn, as well as fertiliser, and causing their prices to rise significantly.
Several factors are colliding in Sudan, including political turmoil, violent unrest in far-flung regions and a deep economic crisis, and are exacerbating an already chaotic situation,said Wright.
According to the United Nations, nearly one-third of Sudan’s population, or more than 14 million people, will require humanitarian assistance this year.