32 Nations Demand Sudan War Parties Lift Aid Blockades
A coalition led by the US and EU warns that famine is imminent in Sudan unless access for humanitarian convoys is restored immediately.
By Luka Tanaka ·
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 group called for urgent measures to prevent the country from entering a state of famine.
The joint statement, released by the US State Department, listed Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany among the signatories. The European Commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management also signed the document. The signatories urged the groups fighting the civil war to remove all barriers hindering humanitarian assistance.
The statement noted that the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a United Nations-backed monitoring body, has warned of a high risk of famine in the coming months. It stated that the parties to the conflict hold primary responsibility for easing the suffering of the Sudanese population.
The war in Sudan began in April 2023 when clashes erupted in Khartoum over the integration of the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Since then, the conflict has displaced more than 13 million people and killed tens of thousands. The 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. Farmers have struggled to harvest crops since the fighting began, and a drought linked to El Nino has driven up food prices and reduced supplies this year. The joint statement warned that without immediate action, the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed 825,000.
The signatories urged the warring parties to allow humanitarian operations through all routes across front lines and borders. This includes air access to the Darfur region. The statement also called for the protection of humanitarian personnel and for the parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure.
The coalition asked the international community to scale up funding to meet increased needs. Besides the US, Australia, and Canada, 28 European countries signed the statement. Last month, the State Department indicated that neither the Sudanese army nor the Rapid Support Forces represent legitimate, constitutional governance for Sudan.
Source: Al Jazeera
