Dozens of countries warn of famine risk in Sudan and press warring sides to allow aid access

Khartoum, Sudan. Dozens of countries, including the United States and leading European powers, have warned that food security in Sudan is worsening at an alarming rate and have asked the warring sides to remove all obstacles to humanitarian aid. The joint statement was released by the US State Department.

Call for funding and urgent action

The signatories said the possibility of famine required them to ask the international community to increase funding. They also asked financial institutions to adjust their existing programs to reflect the food security situation.

The statement pointed to the warning from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification that famine could occur in the coming months, and said this demanded urgent action. It added that the parties to the conflict carry the main responsibility for easing the suffering of the Sudanese population.

Demands on the warring parties

The countries urged the parties to permit humanitarian operations along every crossline and cross-border route, including air access into Darfur. They also asked the parties to avoid attacks on civilian infrastructure and to ensure the continued presence and safety of aid workers across the country, using the words “sustain presence and protection of humanitarian personnel.”

The statement was signed by the US, Australia, the UK, France, Germany and the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, among others.

Background of the conflict and hunger

Sudan’s army has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The two sides fell out over several issues, including how to merge their forces during a planned transition to civilian rule.

In June, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global hunger monitor backed by the United Nations, reported that 5.1 million people in Sudan were facing severe hunger. Since the civil war began in 2023, farmers have had difficulty bringing in harvests, and they have recently also had to contend with drought.

US position on Sudan’s leadership

The State Department stated last month that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces nor their respective leaders “represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.”