It's been a whirlwind six months for Sudan, and there seems to be no end to the instability anytime soon. The country's October 25 military takeover created seemingly irreparable damage to Sudan's journey to democracy. In addition, reactions to the coup have left Sudan crippled economically following the country's suspension from the African Union and the halt in financial aid from the World Bank and the United States.
Sudan now faces significant food shortages, which are predicted to worsen in a short matter of time. An April 2022 report from the World Food Programme (WFP) states, "Food insecurity is expected to rise by seven percent compared to 2021 with 7.74 million people expected to face IPC 3 (Crisis) or worse during the lean season." Currently, approximately 15 million citizens of South Sudan experience severe food insecurity in 18 provinces nationwide.
Coupled with the devastating effects of the coup and the Russia-Ukraine war, which has affected many countries globally, other factors working against the livelihoods of South Sudanese citizens include COVID-19 and climate change. The United Nations released a warning about the food crisis back in March. The statement mentioned how climate change and conflict are direct links to "large scale displacement, livelihoods losses, the destruction of arable land and crops as well as rising food prices, threatening the survival of communities living in some of the most isolated areas in the South Sudanese states of Jonglei, Lakes, Unity, and Warrap."
Adeyinka Badejo, Deputy Country Director of the World Food Programme in South Sudan, stated that the extent of the crisis is unsettling. "We're seeing people across the country have exhausted all their available options to make ends meet, and now they are left with nothing," Badejo added.
According to Plan International, Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision, nearly 3 million children in South Sudan suffer from severe malnutrition, and approximately 375 000 are at risk of dying if not treated.
WFP's representative in Sudan, Eddie Rowe, claimed that now is the time to take action to avoid the worst scenario possible. However, food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) representative Babagana Ahmadu advised that "If the ongoing agriculture season doesn't receive robust support with agricultural inputs and livestock services, the number of food-insecure people may dramatically increase to unprecedented levels and ultimately lead to more conflict and displacement."
Unfortunately, Sudan's future currently hangs in the balance, and there seems to be no way forward. With the country's politics and economy in disarray, citizens feel the brunt of the chaos the most.