Dozens of Countries Warn of 'Sudan Famine'

Washington – Agencies: Dozens of countries, including the United States and major European powers, have warned that Sudan is experiencing a disturbing deterioration in its food security, and have called on the warring parties in the country to “remove all obstacles to humanitarian aid.” In a joint statement, the countries added that, given the risk of famine, they are urging the international community to increase funding and calling on financial institutions to adapt their existing programs to align with the food security situation. The joint statement, published by the U.S. Department of State, said, “Sudan is witnessing a disturbing deterioration in its food security. The risk of famine in the coming months, as warned by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), requires urgent action.” The statement added, “The warring parties bear primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people.”

The Sudanese Armed Forces have been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, following disagreements between the two sides over issues including how to integrate their forces as part of a planned transition to civilian rule. In June, the IPC, a global hunger monitoring body supported by the United Nations, reported that 5.1 million people in Sudan were facing acute hunger. Farmers have struggled to harvest their crops since the outbreak of civil war in 2023, and have recently faced a drought.

The joint statement urged the warring parties to allow humanitarian operations across all crossing points along front lines and borders, including air access to the Darfur region. It also called on both sides “to ensure the continued presence and protection of humanitarian workers” throughout Sudan and to refrain from attacking civilian infrastructure. The statement was signed by the United States, Australia, Britain, France, and Germany, along with the European Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Preparedness, among others.

Last month, the U.S. Department of State stated that neither the Sudanese Armed Forces nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, nor any of their leaders, “represent a legitimate and constitutional government of Sudan.” The war has displaced more than 14 million people and triggered waves of ethnically motivated killings. A July UN investigation concluded that the Rapid Support Forces carried out mass killings, rape, and forced starvation in a city that had been besieged and captured by the forces last year, as part of a deliberate policy reaching the level of genocide. Washington has also accused the Rapid Support Forces of committing genocide and the army of war crimes. Both sides have previously denied committing violations.