The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a warning about the situation unfolding in Sudan, cautioning that the African nation is on the edge of becoming the “world’s largest hunger crisis.”
Leni Kinzli, WFP’s spokesperson in Sudan, conveyed during a virtual press conference that the agency is sounding the alarm, emphasising that “time is running out to prevent starvation.” She stated that the escalation of clashes in El Fasher is impeding humanitarian efforts in the region.
“One year of this devastating conflict in Sudan has created an unprecedented hunger catastrophe and threatens to ignite the world’s largest hunger crisis,” Kinzli stated. She noted that food aid delivery is severely constrained in El Fasher and Darfur regions due to ongoing fighting and bureaucratic obstacles.
Kinzli revealed that WFP is striving to reach 700,000 people before the onset of the rainy season while transportation routes are still accessible. Despite having 8,000 tonnes of food stocks in Chad, distribution is hampered by logistical challenges.
Emphasising WFP’s urgent need for unimpeded access and assurances of security, she stressed that the escalating conflict in El Fasher is exacerbating the plight of the 1.7 million individuals already facing hunger.
Highlighting the dire situation, with approximately 28 million people in Sudan and South Sudan confronting food insecurity, Kinzli urged the international community to take decisive action.
Furthermore, Kinzli reminded all parties in Sudan of their obligation to abide by international humanitarian law.
El Fasher is under the control of the Sudanese army, backed by armed groups that inked the Juba peace agreement with the government in 2020.
The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 due to disagreements over the integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the army between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
The ongoing conflict has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, resulting in nearly 16,000 fatalities and displacing millions.
On March 29, Sudan lodged a complaint with the UN Security Council against the United Arab Emirates, accusing it of supporting the RSF, an allegation denied by the UAE.
