U.N. Warns of Looming Catastrophic Hunger Crisis in Sudan

UNITED NATIONS, ( TAE)-In an urgent call to the international community, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), supported by the United Nations, issued a grave warning on Friday about the impending threat of widespread death, total collapse of livelihoods, and a catastrophic hunger crisis in Sudan unless immediate action is taken.

The IPC, which regularly analyzes food security worldwide, found itself unable to update its December report—where it was disclosed that nearly 5 million people were on the brink of catastrophic hunger—due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Instead, leveraging the most recent evidence, it released an alert expressing significant concern over the deteriorating situation and emphasized the need for swift interventions to prevent famine.

Sudan has been engulfed in violence since April 15, 2023, following the outbreak of war between the Sudanese army (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has propelled the country into a dire humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting that around half of Sudan's population, nearly 25 million people, require aid, and approximately 8 million individuals have been displaced.

The IPC's latest alert highlights the acute risk of severe food insecurity and malnutrition that looms over the populations of Khartoum and Gezira States, Greater Darfur, and Greater Kordofan, as the lean season approaches from April to May 2024. The report warns that without an immediate halt to the fighting and a significant increase in humanitarian assistance, these regions are poised to experience the harshest levels of acute food insecurity.

Earlier this month, the U.N. Security Council called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan. Echoing this sentiment, the United States on Thursday threatened to advocate for the Council's intervention to ensure the delivery of aid to the starving populations, possibly through authorizing cross-border assistance from Chad.

The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by a notable decline in agricultural productivity, with cereal production plummeting to 46% below last year's levels due to the conflict disrupting the peak harvest season. Concurrently, food prices have surged by 73%, compared to the same period last year, placing additional strain on the already precarious situation.

The IPC's report also sheds light on the staggering number of individuals suffering from acute malnutrition, estimating nearly 5 million affected, including 3.6 million children under five and 1.2 million pregnant and lactating women.

As the international community grapples with the IPC's alarming alert, the call for a concerted effort to address this crisis has never been more urgent. Without decisive action, Sudan faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that could have far-reaching impacts beyond its borders.