Western nations warn worsening hunger could push Sudan into famine
The US and 30 other Western countries have warned that food insecurity in Sudan is worsening and could lead to famine, calling on the warring sides to remove barriers to humanitarian aid. Conflict has damaged infrastructure and disrupted food production, while aid workers say displaced people returning home face destroyed or looted houses and rely on community kitchens.
An estimated 19.5 million people, or 41% of Sudan’s population, are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, including five million facing emergency levels of hunger. The war between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023 and has displaced 14 million people; severe child malnutrition could exceed 825,000 cases without urgent action. Aid efforts are also strained by funding shortfalls, obstruction and drought linked to reduced rainfall.
In short
- Western countries warn famine risk is rising in Sudan.
- 19.5 million people face acute food insecurity.
- Aid access and funding remain major obstacles.
Explained simply
Sudan’s war began in April 2023, when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force. The conflict has displaced millions of people and damaged roads, markets and other infrastructure needed to grow and distribute food.
The United Nations and aid organisations deliver food and other support, but access can be restricted by the fighting and by barriers imposed by the warring sides. Many people who have fled their homes depend on emergency assistance or community kitchens, while drought and shortages of funding add to the strain.
Famine is an extreme level of food deprivation and malnutrition affecting a population, assessed using specific measures. The risk matters because it can mean widespread deaths, with children especially vulnerable to severe malnutrition.
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Originally published by BBC World as “West warns of famine risk in Sudan as civil war grinds on”.