The United States, the European Union and 30 countries have warned of a worsening famine risk in Sudan, calling for urgent action to prevent further deterioration in food security.
In a joint statement, the governments urged Sudan’s warring parties to remove all obstacles to humanitarian assistance and allow aid to reach people in need.
“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.
It added that the parties to the conflict bore “primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people”.
The signatories include Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, along with a European Commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management. The statement was also signed by 28 European countries in addition to the US, Australia and Canada.
Calls for aid access across Sudan
The appeal comes as Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue a war that began in April 2023 after a dispute over the integration of the two forces erupted into fighting in Khartoum.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 13 million, creating the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, known as the IPC, said in June that 5.1 million people in Sudan were facing severe hunger.
Farmers have struggled to harvest crops since the war began, while drought linked to El Nino has driven up food prices and reduced supplies this year, according to the IPC.
The joint statement warned that without immediate action, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed 825,000.
The countries called on the warring parties to permit humanitarian operations through routes across front lines and borders, including air access to Darfur. They also urged them to protect humanitarian workers throughout Sudan and avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure.
“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.
Last month, the US State Department said neither the Sudanese army nor the RSF “represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan”.
