31 countries warn of famine risk in Sudan
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Citizen
Illustrative image · Şeyhmus Kino · Pexels · Licence PexelsThirty-one countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are calling for urgent action amid worsening food insecurity in Sudan. About 19.5 million people are already facing acute hunger and 825,000 children could suffer severe malnutrition, according to Citizen.
The United States and 30 other countries on Monday called for urgent action to prevent famine in Sudan, where the war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused a severe deterioration in food security. More than 40% of the population, or around 19.5 million people, are suffering from acute food insecurity, according to a statement issued by the US State Department.
The statement warns that five million Sudanese people are already facing emergency levels of food insecurity. The number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed 825,000, while the number of areas facing food insecurity is expected to double without immediate action.
The 31 signatory governments are calling on the warring parties to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid and guarantee full, safe, rapid and unimpeded access. They are also calling for the protection of humanitarian workers.
The statement comes after drought worsened the risk of famine in Sudan on 23 October. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced more than 13 million, according to estimates by humanitarian workers.
