Aid Crisis in Sudan
Sudan is facing a dire situation as widespread famine threatens the population. The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has announced severe cuts to its operations due to critical funding shortages.
Starting next month, the WFP will reduce rations to the bare minimum for survival. This means a 70% reduction for those already experiencing famine and a 50% reduction for those at risk. The WFP urgently needs almost $700 million over the next six months to maintain its essential work in the region.
Humanitarian organizations have been sounding the alarm about the escalating famine in Sudan since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) recently confirmed famine in Sudan for the second time in less than a year. Approximately 21.2 million people, nearly half of Sudan's population, are grappling with severe food insecurity.
Escalating Violence and Displacement
The IPC's latest analysis has revealed evidence of famine in El Fasher and Kadugli, while also warning of a high risk of famine in 20 other areas. The situation in South Kordofan is particularly concerning, where drone attacks on a U.N. logistics base resulted in the deaths of six peacekeepers. The Sudanese military has attributed the attack to the RSF, which is actively trying to gain control of the region.
Miji Park, the interim country director for Mercy Corps in Sudan, highlighted the escalating violence, hunger, and displacement affecting civilians in South Kordofan. The fighting has disrupted key trade routes, cutting off families from food, water, and medicine. The limited supplies that remain are now priced beyond the reach of most people.
The RSF has also been accused of committing atrocities, including mass killings, beatings, and systematic rape, following its capture of El Fasher in North Darfur. Both sides involved in the war have been implicated in horrific violence.
Reports indicate that Sudan's military carried out large-scale revenge killings on civilians accused of supporting the RSF after recapturing Gezira.
Impasse in Peace Efforts
Approximately 100,000 people remain trapped in El Fasher, according to U.N. estimates. International aid organizations have faced challenges in securing safe access to the city, and food supplies have been severely limited. Local aid groups have managed to provide sporadic deliveries, but the overall situation remains critical. Malam Darfur Peace and Development, a local humanitarian group, reported that around 38,000 people who fled to camps outside El Fasher have not received any food assistance.
Despite the urgent need for a resolution, global efforts to halt the fighting have reached a standstill. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have attempted to bring Sudanese political groups together, but talks were indefinitely postponed due to disagreements over the RSF's participation.
A cease-fire plan proposed by the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was rejected by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan's military. His rejection stemmed partly from concerns about the UAE's participation, as Abu Dhabi has been accused of supplying the RSF with weapons, a claim they deny.
President Trump pledged that Washington would begin addressing the situation in Sudan. However, despite a meeting between Trump's Africa advisor, Massad Boulos, and Burhan in Riyadh, no new mediation talks between the warring parties have been announced. The conflict has forced approximately 12 million people from their homes and resulted in over 150,000 deaths.
Other Notable Events
- Egypt: Second-phase runoffs in parliamentary elections were held.
- Libya: The U.N. Security Council held a briefing on its support mission.
- Guinea: Held its first presidential election since the 2021 coup.
Kenya's Health Deal Suspended
Kenya's high court has suspended the implementation of a $2.5 billion health deal signed with the Trump administration. The deal, hailed as landmark, was challenged in a lawsuit that raised concerns about its legality and potential impact on the country's healthcare system. The court's decision has put the deal on hold, pending further review.
FAQs
Why is Sudan facing a famine and what is the current food security situation?
Sudan is experiencing a severe famine due to the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Approximately 21.2 million people, nearly half the population, are facing severe food insecurity, with famine confirmed in areas like El Fasher and Kadugli.
What is the World Food Program (WFP) doing in Sudan, and why are they cutting aid?
The WFP provides essential food assistance in Sudan, but they are being forced to make severe cuts due to critical funding shortages. Rations will be reduced by 70% for those in famine and 50% for those at risk, requiring almost $700 million over the next six months to maintain operations.
What are the main challenges to delivering aid and resolving the conflict in Sudan?
Escalating violence, displacement, and disrupted trade routes hinder aid delivery, with limited supplies priced beyond reach for most. Peace efforts have stalled, and international aid organizations struggle to secure safe access to affected areas like El Fasher.
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