International Alarm Over Sudan's Acute Food Insecurity And Famine Threat

The Governments of the UAE, Jordan, Morocco, Mauritania, Chad, The Comoros, Guinea Bissau, Seychelles, Senegal, Benin, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Mozambique and Nigeria have issued a Joint Statement on the critical food security situation in Sudan. They expressed deep concern over the findings of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report published on 27th June 2024.

The IPC report revealed that Sudan is experiencing its worst levels of acute food insecurity ever recorded. Fourteen months into the conflict, 25.6 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Additionally, 14 areas are at risk of famine.

The statement highlighted a "stark and rapid deterioration" in food security. This has severely impacted civilians' safety and well-being. Many thousands of children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

The governments stressed the need for a coordinated international response to address this crisis. They recognised that deepening food insecurity in Sudan poses significant humanitarian challenges. These include potential repercussions for displacement, refugees, and migration dynamics.

They recalled the UNSC's request for conflict parties to allow rapid and safe passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This includes removing bureaucratic and other impediments to aid delivery.

Call for Immediate Action

The statement urged warring parties in Sudan to halt hostilities immediately. They must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and comply with all relevant Security Council resolutions.

Additionally, they called on foreign actors to stop providing armed support or material to the warring parties. Such actions would only heighten tensions and fuel the conflict further.

Urgent Humanitarian Aid Needed

The governments emphasised the urgent need for the international community to scale up humanitarian aid. Support should align with IPC recommendations to increase nutrition interventions and restore productive systems.

They also stressed improving data collection as part of addressing the crisis effectively. The aim is to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and mitigate the impending risk of famine in Sudan.

The statement concluded by underscoring the necessity of achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict in Sudan. This would help address both immediate needs and long-term stability in the region.

With inputs from WAM