Aid groups warn of historic starvation crisis in war-torn Sudan
In June alone, about 1.78 million people had no access to critical humanitarian assistance due to logistical constraints and bureaucratic obstacles.
OSLO, Norway— Heads of humanitarian organizations operating in Sudan have issued an urgent call for international action to address what they describe as a "starvation crisis of historic proportions", writes Winston Mwale.
In a joint statement released Monday, aid groups criticized the lack of global attention to the crisis, stating, "Sudan is experiencing a starvation crisis of historic proportions. And yet, the silence is deafening."
The organizations report that more than 25 million people — over half the country's population — are facing acute food insecurity. Many families have been reduced to one meal a day, with some resorting to eating leaves or insects.
"Children are starving to death," the statement warns.
The humanitarian response plan is currently only 41% funded, with much of the funding arriving too late to prevent starvation deaths. Aid groups are calling for increased pressure to ensure humanitarian aid can reach those in need.
The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted food production, destroying agriculture and livestock sectors.
Aid workers report witnessing the "weaponisation of food on a mass scale" by both sides of the conflict.
In June alone, about 1.78 million people had no access to critical humanitarian assistance due to logistical constraints and bureaucratic obstacles.
The aid groups warn that without immediate action, the death toll from famine could eclipse that from the extreme violence that has swept the country over the past 17 months.