Washington and Brussels back 30 allies in bid to halt Sudan famine
A joint diplomatic effort cites IPC data showing 5.1 million people face severe hunger as aid corridors remain blocked by active conflict.
By Larissa Shah ·
The United States and the European Union joined 30 other nations in issuing a formal warning about food security in Sudan. The group stated on Monday that the country faces an "alarming deterioration" in its ability to feed its population. The signatories demanded "urgent action" to prevent a full-scale famine in the coming months.
The joint statement, released by the US State Department, places primary responsibility for the crisis on the parties involved in the civil war. It calls on the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces to remove all barriers to humanitarian assistance. The group specifically requested that both sides allow aid to move across front lines and through all available routes, including air access to the Darfur region.
The warning aligns with recent data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification. This United Nations-backed monitor reported in June that 5.1 million people in Sudan are currently facing severe hunger. The IPC projected that without immediate intervention, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed 825,000.
The conflict has disrupted agricultural production since it began in April 2023. Farmers have had difficulty harvesting crops due to the fighting. Additionally, a drought linked to El Nino has driven up food prices and reduced supply levels throughout the year. These factors have contributed to what officials describe as the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.
The war has resulted in the death of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of more than 13 million. The signatories urged the warring parties to protect humanitarian personnel and refrain from striking civilian infrastructure. They also called on the international community to scale up funding to meet the increased needs on the ground.
The list of signatories includes Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The European Commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management also signed the document. In addition to the US and two other non-European nations, 28 European countries are part of this coalition.
This diplomatic move follows a statement from the US State Department last month. That note declared that neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.
