Sudan Crisis: 32 Nations Demand Aid Access to Avert Famine

The United States, the European Union, and 30 other nations issued a joint warning on Monday regarding the deteriorating food security situation in Sudan. The coalition, which includes Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, demanded immediate steps to prevent famine. They stated that the warring parties in Sudan’s civil war bear primary responsibility for alleviating the suffering of the population.

The joint statement, released by the US State Department, described the current conditions as an alarming deterioration. It cited the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, or IPC, which predicts a high risk of famine in the coming months. The signatories called on the groups fighting in the conflict to lift all impediments on humanitarian assistance. They emphasized that urgent action is required to address the growing crisis.

Sudan’s army has fought the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The conflict began with clashes in Khartoum over the integration of the two forces. The war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 13 million. This situation has created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. In June, the IPC reported that 5.1 million people in Sudan faced severe hunger.

Agricultural production has suffered since the war began, with farmers struggling to harvest crops. The IPC noted that an El Nino linked drought has driven up food prices and reduced supplies this year. The joint statement warned that without immediate intervention, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000. This figure represents a sharp increase in the most vulnerable demographic.

The signatories urged the warring parties to allow humanitarian operations through all routes across front lines and borders. Specifically, they requested air access to the region of Darfur. The statement also called for the sustained presence and protection of humanitarian personnel throughout Sudan. It instructed the parties to refrain from hitting civilian infrastructure to maintain aid delivery channels.

The coalition asked all members of the international community to scale up funding in response to increased needs. They supported efforts to ensure assistance reaches those most in need. The statement was signed by 28 European countries in addition to the US, Australia, and Canada. Last month, the State Department noted that neither the Sudanese army nor the RSF represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.