US and Allies Warn of Rising Famine Risk in Sudan as 19.5 Million Face Acute Food Insecurity

A joint statement circulated by the US State Department said approximately 19.5 million people in Sudan, accounting for 41 per cent of the population, were experiencing acute food insecurity. Around five million people were facing emergency levels of hunger.

The warning, issued on October 23 and endorsed by European governments, Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Commission, cautioned that conditions could deteriorate further in the coming months unless humanitarian assistance reaches vulnerable communities.

“There is no time to lose to save lives and prevent famine,” the statement said.

The signatories warned that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000 if the crisis continues to worsen. They also cautioned that the number of areas facing serious food insecurity, initially estimated at 14, could double.

Conflict and climate pressures deepen hunger crisis

The international partners identified Sudan’s ongoing armed conflict as the primary driver of the worsening food crisis. Fighting has displaced millions of people, damaged essential infrastructure and disrupted healthcare services, agricultural production, food distribution networks and local markets.

Restrictions on humanitarian operations and adverse weather conditions have further aggravated the situation. The statement highlighted the effects of El Niño, including reduced rainfall and worsening drought across more than half of Sudan.

The governments called on the parties to the conflict to allow humanitarian organisations to operate safely across front lines and international borders, ensuring that emergency supplies reach communities facing severe shortages.

They specifically urged authorities and armed groups to facilitate air access into Darfur, where insecurity and logistical obstacles have complicated relief operations. Improved access would allow humanitarian organisations to deliver supplies more quickly and evacuate aid workers requiring medical assistance.

Call to remove barriers to humanitarian aid

The signatories also demanded the removal of administrative hurdles delaying relief efforts, including lengthy visa procedures, customs clearance delays, additional travel permits and taxation requirements imposed on humanitarian organisations.

They called for longer visa validity periods and simplified travel authorisations to help aid workers maintain operations in affected areas.

The statement further urged armed groups to refrain from attacking civilian infrastructure, particularly agricultural facilities and food production systems that are essential to preventing further deterioration in food security.

International funding and agricultural recovery

The international partners called for an urgent increase in humanitarian funding to address immediate food shortages and prevent the crisis from escalating.

They also urged development banks and financial institutions to adapt their programmes to Sudan’s deteriorating food security conditions.

Particular emphasis was placed on supporting the winter cropping season, which could help restore agricultural production, strengthen local food supplies and reduce dependence on emergency assistance.

The governments additionally stressed the importance of strengthening locally led humanitarian responses to ensure assistance reaches affected communities effectively.

They said the parties involved in the conflict bore primary responsibility for protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian organisations could deliver aid without obstruction.

Sudan’s prolonged conflict continues to devastate communities

Sudan has been engulfed in fighting since April 2023, when conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

The conflict has devastated large parts of the country, displaced millions of civilians and severely weakened public services. Darfur has been among the regions most severely affected by violence, displacement and restrictions on humanitarian operations.

The latest warning underscores growing international concern that continued fighting, limited humanitarian access and declining agricultural output could push more communities towards catastrophic food shortages unless urgent action is taken.